memorandum

noun

mem·​o·​ran·​dum ˌme-mə-ˈran-dəm How to pronounce memorandum (audio)
plural memorandums or memoranda ˌme-mə-ˈran-də How to pronounce memorandum (audio)
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.

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 Company Town How this CBS journalist and organ-donating mom finds purpose in military vet reporting May 4, 2022 The Fox News reports included family photographs of Chen, excerpts from her immigration forms and a portion of an FBI memorandum. Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2024 Prosecutors also have a sentencing memorandum, which usually presents reasons for a long term of incarceration or a request for leniency based on the cooperation against others. Walter Pavlo, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 The memorandum was issued after Democratic lawmakers raised concerns about the extent of Israel’s campaign in Gaza. Frances vinall, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2024 Walker did not respond to a request for an interview about Wall’s memorandum. Mario Koran, The New York Times / Wisconsin Watch and Justin Mayo, Big Local News, Journal Sentinel, 3 Feb. 2024 McKinley eventually filed a motion to extend the deadline to file the memorandum, but the court denied the motion and dismissed her appeal to keep the dogs. Dylan Wickman, The Arizona Republic, 10 Jan. 2024 Rooting out wasteful city spending: The city attorney should rigorously review real estate deals, contracts and memorandums of understanding in which the city is a party to ensure that taxpayers are protected and the city is being efficient with its money. The San Diego Union-Tribune Staff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Feb. 2024 The memorandum of understanding (MOU) sets a 2030 target for heat pumps to make up 65 of residential heating, cooling, and water heating equipment sales. Justine Calma, The Verge, 7 Feb. 2024 To that end, the memorandum calls for workforce development and contractor training. Matt Simon, WIRED, 7 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'memorandum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of memorandum was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near memorandum

Cite this Entry

“Memorandum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/memorandum. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

memorandum

noun
mem·​o·​ran·​dum ˌmem-ə-ˈran-dəm How to pronounce memorandum (audio)
plural memorandums or memoranda -də How to pronounce memorandum (audio)
1
: an informal record or communication
2
: a brief written reminder

Legal Definition

memorandum

noun
mem·​o·​ran·​dum ˌme-mə-ˈran-dəm How to pronounce memorandum (audio)
plural memorandums; plural memoranda -də How to pronounce memorandum (audio)
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

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