reminiscent
Americanadjective
-
awakening memories of something similar; suggestive (usually followed by of).
His style of writing is reminiscent of Melville's.
-
characterized by or of the nature of reminiscence.
-
given to reminiscence.
a reminiscent old sailor.
adjective
-
stimulating memories (of) or comparisons (with)
-
characterized by reminiscence
-
(of a person) given to reminiscing
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of reminiscent
First recorded in 1755–65; from Latin reminiscent-, stem of reminiscēns “remembering,” present participle of reminiscī “to remember,” from re- re- + -miniscī (akin to mēns “mind”; mind )
Explanation
If your uncle tells you that your outfit is reminiscent of the way your mother dressed when she was young, it means your clothes remind him of your mother. Hopefully that doesn't mean your mother is still dressing you. Reminiscent traces back to the Latin for "remember." If a house is reminiscent of your childhood home, it makes you remember your childhood home. Reminiscent can have a good or bad implication. If you tell someone that her paintings are reminiscent of a chimp's finger paintings, obviously that's not so good. But if you tell her that they're reminiscent of Dali, well that might be better.
Vocabulary lists containing reminiscent
Beloved
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
100 SAT words Beginning with "R"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
David Bowie (1947-2016) Tribute List
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
That’s just how the retail business operates, which is precisely why seeing so many items locked away behind a theft-protection system reminiscent of an M.C.
From Salon • May 22, 2026
At the White House, he has added gold details to the Oval Office and paved over the presidential residence's rose garden to install a patio reminiscent of his Florida club, Mar-A-Lago.
From BBC • May 17, 2026
Another artist who uses unusual displays for his work is Ben Cowan, who handcrafts and casts his surfaces, creating sculptural frames with voids reminiscent of elements from Gothic architecture.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026
The nostalgic tone of the collection was captured by some attendees who praised the juxtaposition of pieces, resulting in fluid, less cinched silhouettes reminiscent of 1940s Hollywood.
From Barron's • May 14, 2026
The sickening cold was gone, except for a reminiscent little thrill of it down Eleanor’s back when she looked at the door.
From "The Haunting of Hill House" by Shirley Jackson
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.
