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 It was first observed on May 30, 1868, and for decades on that date after Gen. John A. Logan, the leader of the Grand Army of the Republic for Northern Civil War veterans, had called for a nationwide day of remembrance. Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 6 Apr. 2024 Since that day, not a year has gone by without the rocker's fans, friends and loved ones sharing touching remembrances or musical memories on social media in his memory. Kate Hogan, Peoplemag, 2 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for remembrance 

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near remembrance

Cite this Entry

“Remembrance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/remembrance. Accessed 3 May. 2024.

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

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