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

See Examples For:

in memoriam

The film ends with an "in memoriam" sequence; a tribute to six prisoners who died while the Jail Time Records project has been running.

From BBC ● Jul. 26, 2026

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

So nothing that tonight’s movie winners said from the stage will have any impact on the 97th Oscars, nor will the playing of Diane Warren’s nominated power ballad “The Journey” during the in memoriam segment.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 23, 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