If you have ever seen the letters NB at the start of a sentence, in an email, or on someone’s social media bio, you have probably paused and wondered what it means.
The short answer is that NB most often stands for nota bene, a Latin phrase meaning note well. But that is not the only meaning.
NB can also stand for non-binary when talking about gender identity, and it has a few other meanings too, depending on where you see it.
This guide breaks down every common meaning of NB, shows you how to use it correctly, and clears up the mix-ups people run into most.
By the end of this article, you will know exactly which meaning of NB fits your situation, how to punctuate it properly, and how to avoid the small mistakes that trip up even careful writers.
Quick Answer
NB usually means nota bene, a Latin term that means note well or pay attention. Writers use it to flag something important that the reader should not skip over. In a completely different context, NB can also mean non-binary, a gender identity outside the male-female binary. The correct meaning always depends on where and how the letters are used.
Meaning or Definition
Let’s slow down and look at each major meaning of NB one at a time, since context changes everything here.
NB as Nota Bene. This is the classic, traditional meaning of NB, and it is still the one you will find in dictionaries and style guides. Writers place NB right before a sentence or note to say, in effect, Hey, pay close attention to this part. It works a lot like writing Note: or Important: before a sentence, except NB feels a bit more formal and old-fashioned.
NB as Non-Binary. In recent years, especially on social media and in casual writing about gender and identity, NB (sometimes written as enby, which is how you say the letters N and B out loud) refers to someone who does not identify strictly as male or female. You might see it in a bio like she/her, NB or they/them (NB).
NB as an Abbreviation for Places or Terms. NB can also stand for things like New Brunswick (a Canadian province), Nebraska (in some informal lists), or no ball in cricket scoring. These meanings are far less common than the first two, but they do show up in specific fields.
Here is a simple table to help you compare the meanings side by side.
| Meaning of NB | Field or Context | Example Sentence |
| Nota Bene (note well) | Writing, academic papers, legal notes | NB: The office closes early on Fridays. |
| Non-binary | Gender identity, social media bios | They introduced themselves as NB and use they/them pronouns. |
| New Brunswick | Canadian geography, addresses | The package was shipped from NB, Canada. |
| No ball | Cricket scoring | The umpire called NB after the bowler overstepped the line. |
| Nebraska (informal) | Casual lists, forums | She moved from NB to Texas last year. |
Origin or History
The phrase nota bene comes straight from Latin, where nota means note and bene means well. Together, they translate to note well or mark well. Scholars and writers have used this phrase for centuries, especially in academic and legal writing, as a way to highlight a point that readers should not gloss over. Because Latin was once the standard language of scholars across Europe, many Latin abbreviations, including NB, e.g., i.e., and etc., made their way into everyday English writing and simply stayed there.
The gender-related use of NB is much newer. It grew out of the broader conversation around gender identity that expanded in the 2010s, as more people began publicly identifying outside the traditional categories of male and female. The word non-binary itself describes any gender identity that does not fit neatly into man or woman, and NB became a natural short form once the term gained wider use.
Grammar or Correct Usage
Using NB correctly is simple once you know the pattern, but a few small details matter.
When using NB to mean nota bene, write it in capital letters, followed by a colon, and then your note. For example: NB: Please double-check the attached figures before the meeting. You typically place it at the very start of a sentence or paragraph, never in the middle. Some older style guides add periods, like N.B., but modern American writing almost always drops the periods and simply writes NB.
When using NB to mean non-binary, it usually appears as a label, often alongside pronouns, rather than at the start of a sentence. For example: Jordan (NB, they/them) will lead the workshop. It can also stand alone, as in I identify as NB.
One more grammar note: NB is not really an English word, so it does not change form. There is no plural version, and it is not something you conjugate or use as a verb. It functions purely as a marker or a label.
Common Mistakes
People run into a handful of predictable mix-ups with NB, so let’s clear them up.
The biggest mistake is confusing which meaning applies. Because NB can mean two very different things, writers sometimes use it in a way that confuses readers. If your audience is not familiar with nota bene, writing NB without context might leave them puzzled. In more formal or academic writing, this is usually not a problem, but in casual writing, it helps to spell it out at least once.
Another common error is punctuation. Some writers add unnecessary periods, write it in lowercase mid-sentence, or forget the colon after it. While there is no single global rule, American English style guides generally favor NB: with a colon and no periods between the letters.
A third mistake is assuming NB is interchangeable with FYI. They are related but not identical. FYI simply means for your information and is more neutral, while NB carries a stronger sense of this is important, do not skip it. Using them interchangeably is common in casual writing, but it is worth knowing the difference if you want precise language.
Finally, some people confuse NB with similar-looking abbreviations like N/A (not applicable) or TBD (to be determined). These have completely different meanings, so mixing them up can cause real confusion in professional documents.
Real-Life Examples
Seeing NB used in real sentences often makes the meaning click faster than any definition can. Here are some natural examples across different settings.
In an academic paper: NB: This theory has been challenged by more recent studies, discussed in Section 4.
In a work email: NB: The deadline has moved up to Thursday, not Friday as originally planned.
In a legal document: NB: All parties must sign in the presence of a notary.
On a social media bio: Alex (they/them, NB) — artist and part-time baker.
In a text message between friends: NB, I’m not free this weekend after all, something came up.
Each of these examples shows how flexible NB can be, while still keeping its core purpose: drawing attention to something the reader needs to notice.
Current Usage or Trends
Today, both major meanings of NB are alive and well, but they tend to live in different spaces. Nota bene NB still shows up most often in academic writing, legal documents, technical manuals, and professional emails, especially from writers who favor a slightly formal tone. It has not disappeared, but it has become less common in everyday casual writing, where people are more likely to simply write Note: or Important: instead.
Meanwhile, non-binary NB has grown significantly in visibility over the past several years, particularly across social media platforms, dating apps, and workplace communication tools where people list pronouns and identity terms in their profiles. Many companies and organizations have also started including NB as an option in gender identity fields on forms, alongside male, female, and prefer not to say.
Because both meanings are actively used, context really is everything. A reader scanning a legal memo will almost certainly read NB as nota bene, while a reader scrolling through Instagram bios will likely read it as non-binary. Good writers pay attention to their audience and, when there is any chance of confusion, spell out the full term at least once.
Tips or Best Practices
If you want to use NB clearly and correctly, a few simple habits will help.
Think about your audience first. If you are writing for an academic, legal, or business audience, nota bene NB will likely be understood without explanation. If you are writing for a general audience or mixing topics, consider spelling it out the first time.
Keep the format consistent. Stick with NB: in capital letters followed by a colon, and place it at the start of the sentence or note it is highlighting.
Do not overuse it. NB is meant to flag something genuinely important. If you use it constantly, readers will start skimming past it, and it will lose its power to grab attention.
When referring to gender identity, always follow the person’s own preference. Not everyone who is non-binary uses the abbreviation NB to describe themselves, so it is respectful to use the term or pronouns a person has actually chosen for themselves.
Double-check your context before publishing. A quick reread of the sentence around NB will usually make it obvious whether the meaning is clear or whether it needs a small clarification.
| Best Practice | Why It Matters |
| Match NB to your audience | Prevents confusion between meanings |
| Use NB: with a colon | Keeps formatting clean and standard |
| Avoid overusing NB | Keeps its emphasis meaningful |
| Respect personal identity terms | Shows care and accuracy in gender-related writing |
| Reread for clarity | Confirms the meaning is obvious in context |
FAQs
What does NB mean in a text message?
In most text messages, NB means nota bene, used to flag something important the sender wants the other person to notice, similar to writing note: before a message.
Is NB the same as FYI?
Not exactly. FYI means for your information and is fairly neutral, while NB carries a stronger sense that the reader should pay close attention because the point really matters.
What does NB mean for gender identity?
In gender identity contexts, NB stands for non-binary, describing someone whose gender identity does not fit strictly into the categories of male or female.
Do you need periods in NB?
Modern American English usually skips the periods and writes NB instead of N.B. Both versions exist, but NB without periods is more common today.
Conclusion
At its core, NB is a small abbreviation that carries real weight, whether it is flagging an important note in a document or describing someone’s gender identity. The traditional meaning, nota bene, has been part of English writing for centuries and still shows up in academic, legal, and professional contexts today.
The newer meaning, non-binary, reflects how language keeps growing alongside the people who use it. The key takeaway is simple: always read NB in context, and when there is any chance of confusion, do not hesitate to spell it out. A little clarity goes a long way in helping your writing connect with every reader.
Discover More Articles
- IYKYK Mean? Everything You Need to Know
- OFC Mean? Complete Guide
- What Does TH Mean? Full Meaning Explained
- What Is OFC Mean? Simple Guide With Real Examples
As Mark Twain once said, “The human race has only one really effective weapon, and that is laughter.” At Goffaws.com, we couldn’t agree more—especially when it comes to CrossFit puns and jokes. Fitness may be about strength and endurance, but a good laugh can be the best workout of all. From playful gym humor to clever word twists that would make Twain chuckle, we’re here to prove that comedy and conditioning are the perfect pair.
