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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On the other hand, the judicial-proceedings privilege would protect the statements made in the unsealed memorandum that was filed with the Hennepin County court. Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 Duckworth criticized ongoing coordination issues between the FAA and the Department of Defense near DCA and pressed the FAA to provide a copy of the relevant memorandum. Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 14 May 2025 The memorandum of understanding between Dubai government officials and Mohammed Al Hakim, president of Crypto.com UAE, was signed Monday on the sidelines of the Dubai FinTech Summit. Dylan Butts, CNBC, 13 May 2025 Earlier this spring, officials in High Springs, Fla., an orderly suburban oasis of about 8,000 in agricultural North Central Florida, signed a 287(g) memorandum. Patrik Jonsson, Christian Science Monitor, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for memorandum

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

Cite this Entry

“Memorandum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/memorandum. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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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