memorandum

noun

mem·​o·​ran·​dum ˌme-mə-ˈran-dəm 

plural memorandums or memoranda ˌme-mə-ˈran-də 

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.

Synonyms of memorandum

• notice
• memo
• letter
• declaration
• directive
• message
• announcement

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

The administration is working with Tehran on crafting a memorandum of understanding outlining the principles of the peace plan. —Jay Stahl, USA Today, 25 May 2026

This week both Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa approved a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Rays owners, which lays out a rough sketch of how a stadium at Hillsborough Community College would be funded with a public contribution of $976 million. —Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2026

The initial memorandum is not expected to cover enrichment in any detail, and finding a way to bridge the two sides’ differences will be one of the major challenges of a comprehensive deal. —Tim Lister, CNN Money, 24 May 2026

Prosecutors suspect Brandon McGibbon, 33, might have targeted at least 20 young women and underage girls, with the youngest potential victim being just 13 years old, according to a detention memorandum filed Friday in which prosecutors sought to keep McGibbon in custody. —Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2026

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

Rhymes for memorandum

• pseudorandom
• fandom
• random
• tandem
• nonrandom

Kids Definition

memorandum

noun

mem·​o·​ran·​dum ˌmem-ə-ˈran-dəm 

plural memorandums or memoranda -də 

1

: an informal record or communication

2

: a brief written reminder

Legal Definition

memorandum

noun

mem·​o·​ran·​dum ˌme-mə-ˈran-dəm 

plural memorandums; plural memoranda -də 

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

: memorandum decision