in memoriam

American  

[in muh-mawr-ee-uhm, -mohr-] / ɪn məˈmɔr i əm, -ˈmoʊr- /

adverb

1. in memory (of ); to the memory (of ); as a memorial (to): used on gravestones, in obituaries, etc. in mem.

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in memoriam British  

/ ɪn mɪˈmɔːrɪəm /

1. in memory of; as a memorial to: used in obituaries, epitaphs, etc

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in memoriam Cultural  

1. A Latin phrase meaning “in memory of.” This phrase often precedes a name in obituaries and on tombstones.

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Usage

What does in memoriam mean? In memoriam is a Latin phrase meaning “in memory of” or “as a memorial to.” It’s typically used in memorials to those who have died. In memoriam is a common epitaph—the inscription on a gravestone or other monument. It’s also commonly used as a heading in obituaries. Example: Those who have passed away in the past year are listed in a special section titled “In memoriam.”

Etymology

Origin of in memoriam

Borrowed into English from Latin around 1840–50

Example Sentences

The annual in memoriam segment for recently passed icons will honor Robert Redford, who died in September, and Rob Reiner, who was murdered in December.

From Barron's • Mar. 15, 2026

One of his own last posts was in memoriam of David Thomas, leader of the avant-garde Pere Ubu, twinned with “kindred spirit” Chicago Bears defensive tackle Steve McMichael, who died the same day.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2025

The Oscars ceremony also featured an in memoriam segment, where clips from some of the character actor's best films over his 60-year career were shown.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2025

Those words from the mouth of Navalny, the Russian opposition leader, began the in memoriam segment, a devastating reminder of his death last month in a Russian prison.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 11, 2024

It was built in memoriam to those who have lost their lives in auto accidents, and as a place of healing.

From "All The Bright Places" by Jennifer Niven