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

His remarks came as diplomatic efforts to revive peace talks are completely stalled, days after a 60-day memorandum of understanding to negotiate an end to the war expired. — Npr Staff, NPR, 21 Aug. 2026

The presidential memorandum replaces a 2013 policy signed by former President Barack Obama. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2026

This week, a sixty-day deadline for the United States and Iran to resolve larger differences—set in June as part of an earlier memorandum of understanding—elapsed with little fanfare. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 20 Aug. 2026

Also last year, Shenghe Resources Holding signed a memorandum of understanding with Brazilian companies WEG Minerao and Fenrir do Brasil to pursue rare earth opportunities. — ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026

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

• pseudorandom
• 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