memorandum

[mem-uh-ran-duhm]

noun

plural

memorandums, memoranda 

1. a short note designating something to be remembered, especially something to be done or acted upon in the future; reminder.

2. a record or written statement of something.

3. an informal message, especially one sent between two or more employees of the same company, concerning company business.

   an interoffice memorandum.

4. Law.,  a writing, usually informal, containing the terms of a transaction.

5. Diplomacy.,  a summary of the state of an issue, the reasons for a decision agreed on, etc.

6. a document transferring title to goods but authorizing the return of the goods to the seller at the option of the buyer.

memorandum

/ ˌmɛməˈrændəm /

noun

1. a written statement, record, or communication such as within an office

2. a note of things to be remembered

3. an informal diplomatic communication, often unsigned: often summarizing the point of view of a government

4. law a short written summary of the terms of a transaction

Other Word Forms

• prememorandum noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of memorandum¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin: something to be noted, noun use of neuter of memorandus, gerundive of memorāre to mention, tell

Word History and Origins

Origin of memorandum¹

C15: from Latin: (something) to be remembered

Example Sentences

Former President Joe Biden had previously signed a memorandum extending Harris’ protection to 18 months.

From Salon

In 2022, federal prosecutors wrote in Maxwell’s sentencing memorandum that she “has lied repeatedly about her crimes” and shows “an utter lack of remorse.”

From Salon

Prior to the sentencing, Bozanic filed a sentencing memorandum requesting that the court consider a shorter sentence.

From Los Angeles Times

In a memorandum presented to the Ukrainians by Russia in June, Moscow outlined its maximalist demands for a "final settlement" of the conflict.

From BBC

Eisen and Zaid, the lawyers representing the FBI agents, themselves became the target of a presidential memorandum in March that revoked their access to classified material.

From Salon

Related Words

• announcement 
• diary 
• directive 
• letter 
• memo 
• message 
• notice 

When To Use

Plural word for memorandum

The plural form of memorandum can be either memoranda or memorandums. The plurals of several other singular words that end in -um are also formed this way, including curriculum/curricula and bacterium/bacteria. Irregular nouns whose plurals are formed like memoranda derive directly from their original pluralization in Latin. However, the standard English plural -s ending is often also acceptable for many of these terms, as in curriculums and forums.