Here are some examples:
* "The word 'red' denotes the color of a ripe apple." In this case, the word "red" represents the actual color of the apple.
* "The symbol '$' denotes the US dollar." The symbol '$' is used to represent the currency of the United States.
* "The traffic light's red light denotes that vehicles must stop." The red light is a signal that indicates vehicles should halt.
In essence, "denote" signifies a direct and clear association between a signifier (the word, symbol, etc.) and the thing being signified.