memorial

[muh-mawr-ee-uhl, -mohr-]

noun

1. something designed to preserve the memory of a person, event, etc., as a monument or a holiday.

2. a written statement of facts presented to a sovereign, a legislative body, etc., as the ground of, or expressed in the form of, a petition or remonstrance.

adjective

1. preserving the memory of a person or thing; commemorative.

   memorial services.

2. of or relating to the memory.

memorial

/ mɪˈmɔːrɪəl /

adjective

1. serving to preserve the memory of the dead or a past event

2. of or involving memory

noun

1. something serving as a remembrance

2. a written statement of facts submitted to a government, authority, etc, in conjunction with a petition

3. an informal diplomatic paper

Other Word Forms

• memorially adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of memorial¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin memoriāle, noun use of neuter of Latin memoriālis for or containing memoranda. See memory, -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of memorial¹

C14: from Late Latin memoriāle a reminder, neuter of memoriālis belonging to remembrance

Example Sentences

Sheriff’s detectives and FBI agents served a search warrant at the Buzzard home where a makeshift memorial on the sidewalk includes a picture of the curly haired girl.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He is already not invited to attend royal public events., and his recent appearances have been limited to private, family events, such as funerals or memorials.

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A West Dunbartonshire Council spokesperson said: "We have been engaging with Remembering the Accused Witches of Scotland who are keen to install a fitting memorial."

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Established by Congress in 1910, the CFA has traditionally provided guidance on the aesthetic aspects of government buildings, memorials, and public spaces in the capital.

Read more on Salon

A state memorial service will be held on Wednesday in the City of Arts and Sciences complex, with King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez among those expected to attend.

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Related Words

• ceremony 
• headstone 
• mausoleum 
• plaque 
• remembrance 
• statue 
• tombstone