remember

verb

re·​mem·​ber ri-ˈmem-bər How to pronounce remember (audio)
remembered; remembering ri-ˈmem-b(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce remember (audio)

transitive verb

1
: to bring to mind or think of again
remembers the old days
2
archaic
b
: remind
3
a
: to keep in mind for attention or consideration
remembers friends at Christmas
b
: reward
was remembered in the will
4
: to retain in the memory
remember the facts until the test is over
5
: to convey greetings from
remember me to her
6

intransitive verb

1
: to exercise or have the power of memory
2
: to have a recollection or remembrance
rememberability noun
rememberable adjective
rememberer noun
Choose the Right Synonym for remember

remember, recollect, recall, remind, reminisce mean to bring an image or idea from the past into the mind.

remember implies a keeping in memory that may be effortless or unwilled.

remembers that day as though it were yesterday

recollect implies a bringing back to mind what is lost or scattered.

as near as I can recollect

recall suggests an effort to bring back to mind and often to re-create in speech.

can't recall the words of the song

remind suggests a jogging of one's memory by an association or similarity.

that reminds me of a story

reminisce implies a casual often nostalgic recalling of experiences long past and gone.

old college friends like to reminisce

Examples of remember in a Sentence

I remember my first day of school like it was yesterday. Do you remember me? I used to work with you many years ago. Remember when we went hiking last summer? I remember telling him not to do it, but he did it anyway. I remember what that felt like. As far as I can remember, I've never been late to a meeting. I couldn't remember how to spell her name. I can't remember where I put that book. I remembered that I had left my wallet at home. What was it that I was going to ask him? I can't remember. See More
Recent Examples on the Web Prioritize Protein and Fiber While the sides might be everyone's favorite part of Thanksgiving, remembering to add some protein and fiber to your plate will go a long way in feeling full and satisfied after dinner. Rebecca Jaspan, Mph, Rd, Health, 23 Nov. 2023 Last week, Orman Hines, who spent years participating in the first modern archaeological digs of the colony and helped found the nonprofit group to remember, gazed out at the shoreline where the Wabanaki canoes might have come ashore more than 400 years ago. Alex Seitz-Wald, NBC News, 23 Nov. 2023 Wang remembers listening to the song for the first time. Ken Armstrong, ProPublica, 22 Nov. 2023 And while few may remember the Emilio Estevez-starring thriller, the soundtrack to 1993’s Judgment Night remains a significant touchstone in the evolution of the rap-rock connection. Ron Hart, SPIN, 22 Nov. 2023 Cast your vote in a viewer’s choice competition, but remember, no sampling. Peter Marks, Washington Post, 22 Nov. 2023 But this book will ensure that the work of both Velma Murphy Hill and Norman Hill will be remembered. Rayna Reid Rayford, Essence, 22 Nov. 2023 Chip Kelly rang the Victory Bell and looked about as buoyant as anyone could remember afterward. J. Brady McCollough, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2023 But remember, although many liked that film despite its slightness, it was mostly met with mixed reviews (and mountains of cash). Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 11 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'remember.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English remembren, from Anglo-French remembrer, from Late Latin rememorari, from Latin re- + Late Latin memorari to be mindful of, from Latin memor mindful — more at memory

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of remember was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near remember

Cite this Entry

“Remember.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/remember. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.

Kids Definition

remember

verb
re·​mem·​ber ri-ˈmem-bər How to pronounce remember (audio)
remembered; remembering -b(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce remember (audio)
1
: to bring to mind or think of again
remembers the old days
2
a
: to keep in mind for attention
remember friends at Christmas
b
: reward entry 1 sense 1
was remembered in the will
3
: to keep in the memory
remember the facts for the test
4
: to pass along greetings from
remember us to your family
rememberable adjective
rememberer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on remember

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!