memo

noun

ˈme-(ˌ)mō 

plural memos

: a usually brief written message or report : memorandum

Use headlines, bullets, and lists to organize the memo and the proposal.

—Inc. Magazine

When your boss asks you to find a memo you wrote a year ago, it's hard to remember what you named it.

—Susan Kelley

see also get the memo

Synonyms of memo

• letter
• epistle

Examples of memo in a Sentence

He sent a memo to the staff.

a long series of memos between the two authors collaborating on the book

Recent Examples on the Web

The memo was separately shared with The Washington Post and was first reported by The Associated Press. —Arkansas Online, 24 Jan. 2026

However, the Associated Press obtained an internal ICE memo that authorizes agents to use force to enter a residence on the basis of administrative warrants. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 24 Jan. 2026

Superintendent Howard Hepburn issued a memo to Broward School Board members late Friday announcing the change in plans. —Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026

Fans were treated to short voice memos — including snippets of Styles singing teases of new music — and a gradual drip of album details. —Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1705, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing memo

• counter-memo

Rhymes for memo

• acknow
• aglow
• ago
• airglow
• aloe
• altho
• although
• ammo
• backflow
• backhoe
• banjo
• barbeau

Kids Definition

memo

noun

ˈmem-ō 

plural memos

: memorandum