mnemonics

American  

[ni-mon-iks] / nɪˈmɒn ɪks /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the process or technique of improving or developing the memory.

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mnemonics British  

/ nɪˈmɒnɪks /

noun

1. the art or practice of improving or of aiding the memory

2. a system of rules to aid the memory

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Etymology

Origin of mnemonics

First recorded in 1700–10; see origin at mnemonic, -ics

Explanation

Mnemonics is a fancy name for techniques that help you memorize things. If you use the name "Roy G. Biv" to help remember the colors of a rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet), then you're employing mnemonics. An individual memory aid is a mnemonic, while the study of using such aids is mnemonics. Both words come from the Greek root mneme, "memory." If you use mnemonics, you can come up with a system to help you remember things like passwords, lists, or people's names. Mnemonics is behind familiar sayings like "Every good boy deserves fudge," used to help music students remember the notes of the treble clef (E, G, B, F).

Example Sentences

Cognitive science shows that mnemonics help memory, distinctive voice draws attention and a sense of joy strengthens retention.

From Salon • Sep. 4, 2025

Headliner Norm Lewis makes up mnemonics to help him master the patter of the famed flimflam artist at the center of “The Music Man.”

From Washington Post • Jan. 30, 2019

However, rhyme works well and mnemonics work well.

From New York Times • Mar. 24, 2016

Rather than constructing a complex system of mnemonics, perhaps it is possible simply to boost the strength of the memory as it is imprinted.

From The Guardian • Oct. 12, 2014

Learning notes on a staff certainly seems dull, but coming up with mnemonics for the notes on the staff can actually be fun.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin