memorization

noun

mem·​o·​ri·​za·​tion ˌme-mə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

ˌme-mə-(ˌ)rī-, 

ˌmem-rə-

: the act or process of memorizing something : commitment of something to memory

The current emphasis on written exams and memorization encourages what is referred to bitterly by many educators as "teaching to the test."

—Alison Lurie

Seeking a balance to his daily diet of science and memorization of facts, he pursues music avocationally.

—Judith Wynn Halsted

Common core standards, which Alabama adopted in 2010 and implemented in 2012, emphasize thinking mathematically rather than memorization of formulas.

—Trisha Powell Crain

Examples of memorization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The students allegedly observed a prayer, met participants in an MCA lead Quran-memorization program and were exposed to Zahra Billoo who is Executive Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations Bay Area office. — Stephanie Lam, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026

If schools continue to define learning primarily through memorization, they’ll be left preparing students for a world that no longer exists. — Dana Williams, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

This math curriculum, designed around state grade-level standards, prioritizes deeper understanding, rather than memorization, to help students develop conceptual understanding over time, said district spokesperson James Canning. — Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Aug. 2026

Understanding beats memorization Cramming is a great way to pass a test and a terrible way to build lasting knowledge. — Bydoug Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for memorization

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration