in memoriam

[in muh-mawr-ee-uhm, -mohr-]

adverb

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

in memoriam

/ ɪn mɪˈmɔːrɪəm /

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

in memoriam

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of in memoriam¹

Borrowed into English from Latin around 1840–50

Word History and Origins

Origin of in memoriam¹

Latin

When To Use

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.”