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
• ˌmemoriˈzation, noun
• ˈmemoˌrizable, adjective

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

For somebody who’s born blind, that whole area is used for completely different things—touch, hearing, memorizing vocabulary words, and so on.

From Nautilus

In ancient Rome, slaves were trained to memorize the names of voters who might be persuaded to vote for their master, so that he could find and greet them personally.

From MIT Technology Review

Schools tend to focus on covering lots of topics and memorizing countless facts.

From Science News For Students

The brain wants to spend as little energy as possible so if it’s something already known, it’s easier to identify and memorize.

From Search Engine Watch

London taxi drivers are required to memorize “the Knowledge” – the complex routes, roads and landmarks of their city.

From No Straight News

“Five of them would attend a show and each one would memorize a certain part of a garment,” said Elia.

From The Daily Beast

People think history is a bunch of facts and dates that you memorize.

From The Daily Beast

Memorize and spread this mantra: The War on Drugs Is What Makes Thugs.

From The Daily Beast

I love to read poetry and try to memorize poetry on my hiatus so that I keep my memorization skills going.

From The Daily Beast

You had to memorize something and stand stock still with your hands behind your voice and just boom out in front of 500 people.

From The Daily Beast

The reader should memorize it so that it may be used without referring to the book.

From Project Gutenberg

I am often asked how to memorize, for instance—or the best means for doing this; another psychological process.

From Project Gutenberg

The ability to memorize ideas expressed in notes grows with use, just as any other aptitude grows with continued effort.

From Project Gutenberg

You remember the stories you memorize and the card tricks you study and that little piece on the piano—how does it go?

From Project Gutenberg

Well, it cost me a good deal of trouble to memorize them; still, I'd be glad to let them go cheap and be rid of them.

From Project Gutenberg