Wiktionary
vb. To make a record of what one hears or observes for future reference.
Usage examples of "take notes".
In the evenings, while more and more of the delegates spent their time partying, or going for walks up and down the tunnel, Art continued to meet with Nirgal, and they watched tapes at a moderate fast forward so that everyone spoke like a bird, only slowing them down to take notes, or talk over some point or other.
A small area in the transept had been screened off for them to remain in, to take notes toward the addresses they must give if they so chose.
Besides, he has to resist this sophomoric tendency to take notes all the time.
When it did, I would climb out of the water and lie down on the grass in front of the set -- turn up the sound, light a cigarette, open a fresh Bass Ale and take notes while I watched the tiny screen for a general outline of whatever action Sam Ervin's Roman circus might be expected to generate that day.