souvenir

noun

sou·​ve·​nir ˈsü-və-ˌnir 

ˌsü-və-ˈnir

: something kept as a reminder (as of a place one has visited)

a souvenir of her travels

a souvenir shop

Synonyms of souvenir

• reminder
• memorial

Examples of souvenir in a Sentence

When I went to the Super Bowl, I kept my ticket stub as a souvenir.

kept their love letters as souvenirs of their courtship

Recent Examples on the Web

The final score and the entire experience delivered a Hollywood ending for Iowa native Hill, who was seen taking an ear of corn as a souvenir. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026

Although announced long ago, a new 6 percent Erie County sales tax delivered sticker shock on concession and souvenir receipts. — Tim Graham, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Families can also participate in daily arts and crafts sessions, with materials provided on request and staff on hand to help kids create their own souvenirs. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026

Quince’s Packable Expandable Travel Tote is finally back in stock and features a clever design that gives you more space for clothes, shoes, toiletries, and souvenirs. — Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 14 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, act of remembering, from Middle French, from (se) souvenir to remember, from Latin subvenire to come up, come to mind — more at subvention

First Known Use

1782, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing souvenir

• souvenir sheet
• souvenir shop

Rhymes for souvenir

• auctioneer
• bandelier
• belvedere
• bombardier
• brigadier
• buccaneer
• cavalier
• chandelier
• chanticleer
• chevalier
• commandeer
• disappear

Kids Definition

souvenir

noun

sou·​ve·​nir ˈsü-və-ˌni(ə)r 

ˌsü-və-ˈni(ə)r

: something that serves as a reminder : memento