souvenir

noun

sou·​ve·​nir ˈsü-və-ˌnir 

ˌsü-və-ˈnir

: something kept as a reminder (as of a place one has visited)

a souvenir of her travels

a souvenir shop

Synonyms of souvenir

• reminder
• memorial

Examples of souvenir in a Sentence

When I went to the Super Bowl, I kept my ticket stub as a souvenir.

kept their love letters as souvenirs of their courtship

Recent Examples on the Web

Even the international souvenirs demonstrate the value of the residency outlined in the Gathier International report — Puerto Rico’s cultural value is at an all-time high. —Vanessa Diaz, Rolling Stone, 27 Dec. 2025

Afterward, stroll through historic Yorktown to pick up some souvenirs or grab a bite at Riverwalk Landing, where several restaurants offer views of the York River. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 25 Dec. 2025

One witness who declined to give his name told Sideo, a freelance news videography service, that the man who was shot was holding a souvenir-style knife made from black volcanic rock called obsidian. —Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Dec. 2025

All children will receive a souvenir bell and a holiday cookie. —Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 21 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, act of remembering, from Middle French, from (se) souvenir to remember, from Latin subvenire to come up, come to mind — more at subvention

First Known Use

1782, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing souvenir

• souvenir sheet
• souvenir shop

Rhymes for souvenir

• auctioneer
• bandelier
• belvedere
• bombardier
• brigadier
• buccaneer
• cavalier
• chandelier
• chanticleer
• chevalier
• commandeer
• disappear

Kids Definition

souvenir

noun

sou·​ve·​nir ˈsü-və-ˌni(ə)r 

ˌsü-və-ˈni(ə)r

: something that serves as a reminder : memento