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

Do carve out a spot for the Mongkok market, with its colorful juxtaposition of souvenirs, food, fashions — beware of counterfeits, though — with live fish and even birds. —Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 24 Nov. 2025

Though far less high-tech, the land's other souvenirs are just as lovable, including limited-edition clothing and soft, knitted plushies. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 24 Nov. 2025

Guests receive three winter cocktails featuring Buffalo Trace brands, along with take-home gifts including a tote bag, a souvenir cup, and Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream minis. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2025

All children will receive a souvenir bell and a holiday cookie. —Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Nov. 2025

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