souvenir

American  

[soo-vuh-neer, soo-vuh-neer] / ˌsu vəˈnɪər, ˈsu vəˌnɪər /

noun

1. a usually small and relatively inexpensive article given, kept, or purchased as a reminder of a place visited, an occasion, etc.; memento.

   Synonyms:

   token , keepsake , reminder

2. a memory.

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souvenir British  

/ ˌsuːvəˈnɪə, ˈsuːvəˌnɪə /

noun

1. an object that recalls a certain place, occasion, or person; memento

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verb

1. euphemistic  to steal or keep (something, esp a small article) for one's own use; purloin

Etymology

Origin of souvenir

1765–75; < French, noun use of ( se ) souvenir to remember < Latin subvenīre to come to mind, equivalent to sub- sub- + venīre to come

Example Sentences

The town’s souvenir shops have begun to sell basilica-themed magnets, ceramics and prayer plaques.

From The Wall Street Journal

The new temporary display included a photograph of the writer on set with the film's director, Lewis Gilbert, and Roald Dahl's own souvenir 007 tie.

From BBC

Outside on one of the side streets that are full of stalls offering tourism souvenirs, like fluffy alpacas and scarves, Dina Huillca is sitting on the pavement selling roses, tomatoes and mint.

From BBC

She decided to quit that role after seeing how the big-eyed Beanie Babies she brought home as souvenirs for her daughter after each work trip had taken over her room.

From The Wall Street Journal

The happy hands became Ms. McDermott’s solace and her souvenir, and later—when her son developed his own fondness for them, as mother and son cooked and baked together—a renewed source of happiness.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• gift
• memento
• relic
• trophy