souvenir

noun

sou·​ve·​nir ˈsü-və-ˌnir How to pronounce souvenir (audio)
ˌsü-və-ˈnir
Synonyms of souvenirnext
: something kept as a reminder (as of a place one has visited)
a souvenir of her travels
a souvenir shop

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
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.
Archbishop Ronald Hicks is returning to New York City with a sacred souvenir from a pilgrimage to Rome. Tony Aiello, CBS News, 29 June 2026 During the trip, Carpenter bought Nick, who was 10 at the time, a train whistle souvenir. Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 27 June 2026 According to the league, the drink will be available at Padres, Marlins and A's games (anything to put butts in seats at the last two parks) and select minor league stadiums, and will be served in a souvenir cup. Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2026 Vacation budgets should also account for expenses that are easy to overlook, including meals, transportation, parking, souvenirs, and other incidental purchases. Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for souvenir

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of souvenir was in 1782

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Souvenir.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/souvenir. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

souvenir

noun
sou·​ve·​nir ˈsü-və-ˌni(ə)r How to pronounce souvenir (audio)
ˌsü-və-ˈni(ə)r
: something that serves as a reminder : memento

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