memorize

verb

mem·​o·​rize ˈme-mə-ˌrīz How to pronounce memorize (audio)
memorized; memorizing

transitive verb

: to commit to memory : learn by heart
memorizable adjective
memorizer noun

Examples of memorize in a Sentence

an actress memorizing her lines everyone has to memorize a poem for next week's class
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In later grades, when there are no pictures or too many unfamiliar words to memorize, these readers would falter, and their reading troubles would hinder learning in other academic subjects. Denise Amos, Mercury News, 18 June 2025 In walks a fellow who can sing and dance, who can memorize a script backward and forward in a few days, and who absolutely looks the part – but who can’t act it, not really. Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 12 June 2025 Here’s the problem: Talking points assume that your team members will memorize the same script, recite it consistently and apply it to every audience the same way. Marcus Squier, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025 While older games in the series relied heavily on memorizing courses and perpetually driving with precision around every bend, there’s now a lot more ways to play catch up and get ahead. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for memorize

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of memorize was in 1834

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Cite this Entry

“Memorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/memorize. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

memorize

verb
mem·​o·​rize ˈmem-ə-ˌrīz How to pronounce memorize (audio)
memorized; memorizing
: to learn by heart
memorization noun

More from Merriam-Webster on memorize

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