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

In a sentencing memorandum and in court on Friday, Van Demark said Bonillo, who rose to the rank of sergeant while in the Army, originally joined CBP in December 2021 but left six months later for a more lucrative job with a private company. —Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Nov. 2025

The department is budgeted for about 1,800 officers, according to a city memorandum. —Charlotte Observer, 7 Nov. 2025

The details from at least two Top Dog SARs appear in a broader investigative memorandum requested in 2017 by the Cyprus Unit for Combating Money Laundering, or MOKAS. —Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025

After its review, the board compiles recommendations and action items, then votes on which to send to a deputy chief in a memorandum. —Monroe Trombly, Louisville Courier Journal, 7 Nov. 2025

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

• 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