memorandum

American  

[mem-uh-ran-duhm] / ˌmɛm əˈræn dəm /

noun

plural

memorandums, memoranda

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.

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memorandum British  

/ 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

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Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

• prememorandum noun

Etymology

Origin of memorandum

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

Example Sentences

Meta also committed to help fund up to 2,500 megawatts of new renewable resources and agreed to a memorandum of understanding to explore the future development of nuclear power.

From The Wall Street Journal

In a related move, MLB signed a memorandum of understanding with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the government agency that regulates prediction markets.

From The Wall Street Journal

The U.S. and U.K. separately signed a memorandum of understanding to advance the development of quantum computing in September 2025.

From Barron's

On March 11, it unveiled a memorandum of understanding to acquire an Australian dental group for a consideration to be fulfilled on part-cash and part-shares basis, the analyst notes.

From The Wall Street Journal

A confidential memorandum listing the Bowl for sale indicates the owners intend to do exactly that.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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