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

A non-binding memorandum of understanding with Thailand outlines measures to increase cooperation on trading rare earth minerals, which are vital to tech products and of which China is the world's leading producer.

Read more on Barron's

This sounds like a success until you examine the details of the memorandum of understanding with Japan.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Their memorandum, which we’ve seen, warned that China’s 5.5-acre complex would be located directly over data cables that serve the financial industry.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Along with rare earths plans, Cliffs referenced a memorandum of understanding with a global steel company on Monday, but details were thin.

Read more on Barron's

Cliffs signed a memorandum of understanding with an undisclosed global steel maker looking for more access to U.S. markets.

Read more on Barron's

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.