remembrance

noun

re·​mem·​brance ri-ˈmem-brən(t)s How to pronounce remembrance (audio)
 also  -bə-rən(t)s
1
: the state of bearing in mind
2
a
: the ability to remember : memory
b
: the period over which one's memory extends
3
: an act of recalling to mind
4
: a memory of a person, thing, or event
5
a
: something that serves to keep in or bring to mind : reminder
c
: a greeting or gift recalling or expressing friendship or affection
Choose the Right Synonym for remembrance

memory, remembrance, recollection, reminiscence mean the capacity for or the act of remembering, or the thing remembered.

memory applies both to the power of remembering and to what is remembered.

gifted with a remarkable memory
that incident was now just a distant memory

remembrance applies to the act of remembering or the fact of being remembered.

any remembrance of his deceased wife was painful

recollection adds an implication of consciously bringing back to mind often with some effort.

after a moment's recollection he produced the name

reminiscence suggests the recalling of usually pleasant incidents, experiences, or feelings from a remote past.

my grandmother's reminiscences of her Iowa girlhood

Examples of remembrance in a Sentence

a happy couple with many fond remembrances of when they were dating in college she gave her boyfriend on the eve of his military service one of her lockets as a remembrance of their abiding affection
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.
Hatton was a famous Manchester City supporter and the club held a minute’s applause before Sunday’s Manchester Derby with players also wearing black armbands in remembrance of the boxer. Nnamdi Onyeagwara, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025 The Boise Police Department (BPD) said the following day that safety remains their top priority as community members gather for remembrance events for 9/11 and Kirk. Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 13 Sep. 2025 The Yankees played an integral part in the remembrance of 9/11. Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025 Thursday is a day of remembrance, advocacy, and service dedicated to honoring the lives lost in the September 11, 2001 attacks. Ayisha Miracle Mendez, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for remembrance

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

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Cite this Entry

“Remembrance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/remembrance. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

remembrance

noun
re·​mem·​brance ri-ˈmem-brən(t)s How to pronounce remembrance (audio)
1
: the act of remembering
2
: something remembered
3
a
: something (as a souvenir) that serves to keep in or bring to mind : reminder
b
: something (as a greeting or gift) recalling or expressing friendship

More from Merriam-Webster on remembrance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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