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 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 the diner windows is painted in memoriam to its sibling restaurant, Fox’s, on North Lake Avenue, with a large red heart and the words “Altadena In Our Hearts Forever, Fox’s 1955–2025.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 26, 2026

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