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

• directive
• memo
• notice

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 House Oversight Committee wants to see more than 5,000 emails Vice President Biden sent using a pseudonym, while a third bank memorandum details further allegations of payments to the Biden family and its business associates. —Holman W. Jenkins, WSJ, 8 Sep. 2023

In 2019 and part of 2021, the companies sold more than $1 million of artwork produced in the Philippines and passed off as Alaska Native, according to a sentencing memorandum filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt. —Riley Rogerson, Anchorage Daily News, 7 Sep. 2023

In a memorandum to state lawmakers eight months before the West Maui fires, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green (D) noted the risks posed by invasive vegetation. —Elahe Izadi, Washington Post, 2 Sep. 2023

The meth was then distributed across the U.S. A sentencing memorandum filed by prosecutors states Flores was responsible for moving 50 to 60 kilograms of methamphetamine and cocaine a month. —City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Aug. 2023

Community Preservation and Development Director Drew Awsumb presented a memorandum to the city council providing general information on allowing residents to have chickens, bees and pigs in their yards, including how neighboring communities handle the issue. —Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2023

Prosecutors asked for a 13-year sentence, noting in a sentencing memorandum that Lanez re—traumatized Megan Thee Stallion with social media posts about the trial, that led his followers to target her. —Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 7 Aug. 2023

The hiring was part of a memorandum of understanding, also approved Monday by the Mobile County Commission. —John Sharp | [e-mail], al, 28 Aug. 2023

The deal, which Bibb said would be sealed Wednesday through a memorandum of understanding, comes as the police division faces significant staffing shortages and is well below its recruitment goals this year. —cleveland, 23 Aug. 2023

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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

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