memorandum

noun

mem·​o·​ran·​dum ˌme-mə-ˈran-dəm How to pronounce memorandum (audio)
plural memorandums or memoranda ˌme-mə-ˈran-də How to pronounce memorandum (audio)
1
: an informal record
also : a written reminder
2
: an informal written record of an agreement that has not yet become official
3
a
: an informal diplomatic (see diplomatic sense 2) communication
b
: a usually brief communication written for interoffice circulation
The company president sent a memorandum to every employee.
c
: a communication that contains directive, advisory, or informative matter
The memorandum called particular attention to the plight of refugees.
memorandums or memoranda?: Usage Guide

Although some commentators warn against the use of memoranda as a singular and condemn the plural memorandas, our evidence indicates that these forms are rarely encountered in print. We have a little evidence of the confusion of forms, including use of memorandum as a plural, in speech (as at congressional hearings). As plurals memoranda and memorandums are about equally frequent.

Examples of memorandum in a Sentence

I'm waiting for the memorandum that will explain the new vacation policy. the studio executives depend on endless memoranda to keep track of what's going on at a movie shot on location
Recent Examples on the Web In March 2021, Russia’s State Space Corporation Roscosmos and the China National Space Administration signed a memorandum on behalf of their governments on cooperation in creating an International Lunar Research Station, according to TASS. Radina Gigova, CNN, 14 Mar. 2024 The Administration decided to work with us to implement our amendment through the issuance of a national-security memorandum. Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 7 Mar. 2024 The Haitian government said the memorandum of understanding covers several areas of collaboration. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2024 The government said in its sentencing memorandum that Kuehne was a vocal advocate of violence regarding a potential confrontation with Antifa and Black Lives Matter in the lead-up to Jan. 6. Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 23 Feb. 2024 The deal is a memorandum of understanding between three tribes, the Klamath Water Users Assn. Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2024 The information that police get out of cell-site simulators is limited, though, the memorandum says. Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 Last September, the council formalized a partnership with the group through a memorandum of understanding. Shawn Raymundo, The Arizona Republic, 23 Jan. 2024 Company Town How this CBS journalist and organ-donating mom finds purpose in military vet reporting May 4, 2022 The Fox News reports included family photographs of Chen, excerpts from her immigration forms and a portion of an FBI memorandum. Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'memorandum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, to be remembered, from Latin, neuter of memorandus, gerundive of memorare

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of memorandum was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near memorandum

Cite this Entry

“Memorandum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/memorandum. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

memorandum

noun
mem·​o·​ran·​dum ˌmem-ə-ˈran-dəm How to pronounce memorandum (audio)
plural memorandums or memoranda -də How to pronounce memorandum (audio)
1
: an informal record or communication
2
: a brief written reminder

Legal Definition

memorandum

noun
mem·​o·​ran·​dum ˌme-mə-ˈran-dəm How to pronounce memorandum (audio)
plural memorandums; plural memoranda -də How to pronounce memorandum (audio)
1
: a usually informal written communication
2
: a record (as a note) which is used by a party seeking to enforce an otherwise oral agreement in accordance with the Statute of Frauds to prove that the other party agreed to a contract and which need not contain all the terms of the contract itself
3
: brief
4

More from Merriam-Webster on memorandum

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