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

Part of the conditions for their release were that they must sign the memorandum of understanding and complete the initial payment, according to a report by the French broadcaster RFI.

From BBC

In a memorandum, Ray wrote: “Mr. Bankman-Fried continues to live a life of delusion. The ‘business’ he left on November 11, 2022 was neither solvent nor safe.”

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

Speaking to Salon in June about a model prosecution memorandum for how to charge Big Oil with crimes, Rugenberg said that climate change is "a massive public safety threat."

From Salon

Related Words

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

What Is The Plural Of Memorandum?

Plural word for memorandum

The plural form of memorandum can be either memoranda or memorandums. The plurals of several other singular words that end in -um are also formed this way, including curriculum/curricula and bacterium/bacteria. 

Irregular nouns whose plurals are formed like memoranda derive directly from their original pluralization in Latin. However, the standard English plural -s ending is often also acceptable for many of these terms, as in curriculums and forums.