reminisce
Americanverb (used without object)
verb
Other Word Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
has reminiscedperfect 3rd person singular
-
have reminiscedperfect
-
am reminiscingprogressive 1st person singular
-
are reminiscingprogressive
-
has been reminiscingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
-
reminiscessingular 3rd person
-
reminiscingparticiple
-
is reminiscingprogressive 3rd person singular
-
have been reminiscingperfect progressive
Past
-
had reminiscedperfect
-
was reminiscingprogressive singular
-
reminiscedparticiple
-
were reminiscingprogressive plural
-
had been reminiscingperfect progressive
-
reminiscedsimple
Future
Etymology
Origin of reminisce
First recorded in 1820–30; back formation from reminiscence
Explanation
Reminisce is a dreamy way of saying "remember the past." If you're swapping old stories with friends and remembering all the silly things you used to do, then you're reminiscing. Reminiscing is all about happy recollections and thinking back to stories from the past. It's hard to reminisce about the old days with someone you don't know very well or haven't known very long, since a key part of reminiscing is a shared history. But just about anyone can reminisce about going elementary school, learning to tie shoelaces, or getting that first job.
Vocabulary lists containing reminisce
List 2
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Also to reminisce about people who maybe didn't survive cardiovascular disease and being able to raise awareness and educate."
From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026
Those allergic to interactive shows can decline an invitation to share the spotlight, although I imagine many would dearly love to reminisce about the time they co-starred with Harry Potter.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026
"Savoring can occur when we reminisce on a past experience, focus on the present moment or look ahead to a future experience."
From Science Daily • Feb. 14, 2026
As the couple walks through their home, they reminisce about how each item has its own story.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 2026
There, I heard the old-timers reminisce about all those great times.
From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
