memorandum

[ mem-uh-ran-duhm ]

noun

, plural mem·o·ran·dums, mem·o·ran·da [mem-, uh, -, ran, -d, uh].

1. a short note designating something to be remembered, especially something to be done or acted upon in the future; reminder.
2. a record or written statement of something.
3. an informal message, especially one sent between two or more employees of the same company, concerning company business:

   an interoffice memorandum.

4. Law. a writing, usually informal, containing the terms of a transaction.
5. Diplomacy. a summary of the state of an issue, the reasons for a decision agreed on, etc.
6. a document transferring title to goods but authorizing the return of the goods to the seller at the option of the buyer.

memorandum

/ ˌmɛməˈrændəm /

noun

1. a written statement, record, or communication such as within an office
2. a note of things to be remembered
3. an informal diplomatic communication, often unsigned: often summarizing the point of view of a government
4. law a short written summary of the terms of a transaction

Other Words From

• premem·o·randum noun plural prememorandums prememoranda

Word History and Origins

Origin of memorandum¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin: something to be noted, noun use of neuter of memorandus, gerundive of memorāre to mention, tell

Word History and Origins

Origin of memorandum¹

C15: from Latin: (something) to be remembered

Example Sentences

“I suspect that will have a repeat, because countries around the world, let alone states and provinces, need a U.S. partner. And while California cannot do foreign policy, it can do agreements, memorandum of understanding and cooperation.”

From Los Angeles Times

But distrust is fuelled by the fact that neither India nor Mauritius has published the details of the 2015 memorandum of understanding, so their plans for the future are unknown.

From BBC

According to a sentencing memorandum filed by the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

McDonald’s defense countered in another sentencing memorandum that leniency should be offered considering that he was just 20 to 22 years old when he committed the crimes.

From Los Angeles Times

The memorandum, which was written by lawyers for the nonprofit advocacy groups Public Citizen and Fair and Just Prosecution, argues that authorities can charge fossil fuel companies with reckless endangerment for knowingly contributing to global warming despite the harm it causes to people.

From Salon

Related Words

• announcement
• diary
• directive
• letter
• memo
• message
• notice