memento
noun
Libby Lubin
Did you know?
In Latin, memento is the imperative form (meaning it is used as a command) of meminisse, a verb that means “to remember.” (The term memento mori, which refers to a reminder of mortality, translates literally as “remember that you must die,” for example). The history of memento makes it clear where its spelling came from, but because a memento often helps one remember a particular moment, people occasionally spell the term momento. This is typically considered a misspelling, but it appears often enough in edited prose (including the work of such esteemed authors as George Eliot and Dylan Thomas) to have been entered in most dictionaries as an acceptable variant spelling.
Examples of memento in a Sentence
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
27 June 2026
For those who loved her, Princess Diana’s jewels have become precious mementos.
—
Hadley Hall Meares,
Vanity Fair,
26 June 2026
In this intimate setting, the master not only shared the history of Takaoka’s intricate tin craftsmanship but also guided the couple in creating their own elegant tin cups—personalized with their initials as a lasting memento of their journey.
—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 June 2026
The memento, sourced from a Salvation Army, does show some signs of use in the film, including staining, frayed fringe, and some loose threads.
—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for memento
Cite this Entry
“Memento.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/memento. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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memento
noun
