reminder

American  

[ri-mahyn-der] / rɪˈmaɪn dər /

noun

1. a person or thing that serves to remind.

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reminder British  

/ rɪˈmaɪndə /

noun

1. something that recalls the past

2. a note to remind a person of something not done

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Etymology

Origin of reminder

First recorded in 1645–55; remind + -er ¹

Explanation

A reminder helps you remember something. If you write "don't forget lunch" on your arm every morning, it means you need a reminder to grab your brown paper bag on your way out the door. A reminder helps you remember, whether it's an appointment, an acquaintance's name, or a grocery list. You can give yourself a reminder, or write one to another person who's prone to forgetting details. The word's been around since the 1650s, and it came from remind, which originally meant "to remember." Later, remind came to mean "to make someone remember," or "to put someone in mind of something."

Example Sentences

It acted as a reminder and encouragement for why I was still fighting on now through this new cancer journey.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

“Today’s market moves are certainly a reminder that we are still in a no-war, no-peace market, and that leaves investors highly sensitive to any hint of escalation or de-escalation,” Chanana said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

The agency’s logo—a handshake over the words From the American People—was a ubiquitous reminder that the U.S. was committed to making the world a healthier and safer place.

From Slate • Apr. 23, 2026

Stock markets need impressive results to continue their recent rally, but reactions to Tesla’s big spending plans and ServiceNow’s margin guidance are a reminder of the hazards.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

The “miracle pine” stands today as a symbol of endurance and a reminder of the tsunami.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland

Related Words

• admonition
• expression
• gesture
• hint
• indication
• remembrance
• sign
• suggestion