memorize

[ mem-uh-rahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, mem·o·rized, mem·o·riz·ing.

1. to commit to memory; learn by heart:

   to memorize a poem.

verb (used without object)

, mem·o·rized, mem·o·riz·ing.

1. to learn by heart:

   I've always been able to memorize easily.

memorize

/ ˈmɛməˌraɪz /

verb

1. tr to commit to memory; learn so as to remember

Derived Forms

• ˈmemoˌrizer, noun
• ˈmemoˌrizable, adjective
• ˌmemoriˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• memo·riza·ble adjective
• memo·ri·zation noun
• memo·rizer noun
• re·memo·rize verb (used with object) rememorized rememorizing

Word History and Origins

Origin of memorize¹

First recorded in 1585–95; memor(y) + -ize

Example Sentences

I memorized traffic lights and places I might get hit by a car door.

From Los Angeles Times

She memorized poems such as “Still I Rise” as if she were “taking notes on my impending womanhood.”

From Los Angeles Times

“If we were memorizing a poem, we’d try to memorize as best as we possibly could.”

From Los Angeles Times

That can be relatively innocent, such as Swifties forgetting most people haven't memorized all the details of Taylor Swift's dating career.

From Salon

Doctors had told him, “You don’t lie. You like to memorize a lot of facts, and you won’t go for help even if there’s trouble,” Dunn said.

From Los Angeles Times