memorandum

noun

mem·o·ran·dum ˌme-mə-ˈran-dəm

plural memorandums or memoranda ˌme-mə-ˈran-də

Synonyms of memorandum next

: an informal record

also : a written reminder

: an informal written record of an agreement that has not yet become official

: an informal diplomatic (see diplomatic sense 2) communication

: a usually brief communication written for interoffice circulation

The company president sent a memorandum to every employee.

: a communication that contains directive, advisory, or informative matter

The memorandum called particular attention to the plight of refugees.

memorandums or memoranda?: Usage Guide

Although some commentators warn against the use of memoranda as a singular and condemn the plural memorandas, our evidence indicates that these forms are rarely encountered in print. We have a little evidence of the confusion of forms, including use of memorandum as a plural, in speech (as at congressional hearings). As plurals memoranda and memorandums are about equally frequent.

Examples of memorandum in a Sentence

I'm waiting for the memorandum that will explain the new vacation policy. the studio executives depend on endless memoranda to keep track of what's going on at a movie shot on location

Recent Examples on the Web The following budget memorandum is slated to include the financial consequences of the cruise ship ban. —

Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 3 July 2024 The memorandum of understanding was signed during an official visit headed by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to Panama for the inauguration July 1 of José Raúl Mulino, the country’s new president. —

Rebecca Santana, The Christian Science Monitor, 2 July 2024 The memorandum of understanding was signed during an official visit headed by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to Panama for the inauguration Monday of José Raúl Mulino, the country's new president. —

Fox News, 2 July 2024 Religious freedom All Oklahoma schools are required to incorporate the Bible and the Ten Commandments in their curriculums, effective immediately, the state’s top education official announced in a memorandum Thursday. —

Alexandra Banner, CNN, 28 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for memorandum

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

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, to be remembered, from Latin, neuter of memorandus, gerundive of memorare

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of memorandum was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Memorandum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/memorandum. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.

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Kids Definition

memorandum

noun

mem·o·ran·dum ˌmem-ə-ˈran-dəm

plural memorandums or memoranda -də

: an informal record or communication

: a brief written reminder

Legal Definition

memorandum

noun

mem·o·ran·dum ˌme-mə-ˈran-dəm

plural memorandums; plural memoranda -də

: a usually informal written communication

: a record (as a note) which is used by a party seeking to enforce an otherwise oral agreement in accordance with the Statute of Frauds to prove that the other party agreed to a contract and which need not contain all the terms of the contract itself

: brief

: memorandum decision

Last Updated: 6 Jul 2024 - Updated example sentences

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memorandum

noun

Synonyms

Examples of memorandum in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near memorandum

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Legal Definition