remembrance

American  

[ri-mem-bruhns] / rɪˈmɛm brəns /

noun

1. a retained mental impression; memory.

   Synonyms:

   reminiscence, recollection

2. the act or fact of remembering.

3. the power or faculty of remembering.

   Synonyms:

   memory

4. the length of time over which recollection or memory extends.

5. the state of being remembered; commemoration.

   to hold someone's name in remembrance.

6. something that serves to bring to mind or keep in mind some place, person, event, etc.; memento.

   Synonyms:

   memorial, token, souvenir, trophy, keepsake

7. a gift given as a token of love or friendship.

   I sent her a small remembrance on Mother's Day.

8. remembrances, greetings; respects.

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remembrance British  

/ rɪˈmɛmbrəns /

noun

1. the act of remembering or state of being remembered

2. something that is remembered; reminiscence

3. a memento or keepsake

4. the extent in time of one's power of recollection

5. 1. the act of honouring some past event, person, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      a remembrance service

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Other Word Forms

• nonremembrance
  noun

Etymology

Origin of remembrance

1300–50; Middle English < Old French; see remember, -ance

Explanation

Remembrance is when someone remembers things — your grandfather might have uncanny remembrance of his childhood, for example. The noun remembrance is really just another way to say "memory." It's the process of remembering things that happened in the past. In Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," the character of Ophelia famously says, "There's rosemary, that's for remembrance." The smell of the herb has actually been shown to improve memory, and has historically been a symbol of remembrance. Early uses of remembrance had the meaning "keepsake or souvenir."

Example Sentences

Some of the fake Facebook posts about Hannelore and Hank were still online on the eve of Holocaust Remembrance Day.

From Barron's • Jan. 27, 2026

He has been pictured at other Remembrance services in north Wales since 2018, shortly after it is believed he moved to the area.

From BBC • Jan. 5, 2026

Llandudno Town Council, which organised the Remembrance event, confirmed that no-one of the senior rank had been due to attend the ceremony.

From BBC • Jan. 5, 2026

Australia became a full member of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, adopted its definition of antisemitism, increased funding for Holocaust museums, enhanced security for Jewish communities nationwide and recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025

Remembrance led to research, and to the recovery of buried secrets.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield

Related Words

• commemoration
• memento
• memorial
• reminder