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

By the end of the 19th century, bean pots were so iconic that they were used as souvenirs, although some early tourism officials lamented that such an ordinary item came to be associated with a city that prides itself as being the cradle of the American Revolution. — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 June 2026

Long associated with kitschy vacation souvenirs and childhood camp jewelry, today’s beading feels markedly more refined, offering a statement-making alternative that complements the season’s polished yet maximal resortwear. — Lauren Fisher, Footwear News, 22 June 2026

What started as a vacation souvenir has become fashion’s latest obsession. — Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026

The differing nacho offerings come served in a souvenir FIFA soccer ball bowl. — Tim Newcomb, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

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