memorable
Americanadjective
-
worth remembering; notable.
a memorable speech.
- Synonyms:
- celebrated, impressive, noteworthy
-
easily remembered.
adjective
Usage
What does memorable mean? Memorable means easy to remember or worth remembering, especially due to being remarkable in a positive way. Events, experiences, people, and things can be described as memorable. In all of these cases, the term is almost always used positively. The term unforgettable is a close synonym, but is perhaps even stronger. Example: It was one of the most memorable moments I’ve ever experienced—I’ll never forget it.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of memorable
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin memorābilis “worth mentioning,” from memorā(re) “to mention” + -bilis -ble
Explanation
The adjective memorable is good for describing something that you just can't forget, like the first time you ever saw your Uncle Marvin in his full clown costume. Something that's memorable is easily remembered because of how unusual it is — like the time you saw your grandmother's cat using the toilet — or because it is meaningful or special like the memorable day when you met your best friend or the memorable concert in which you got to dance onstage with the singer. The Latin word for worthy of being remembered, memorabilis , is the root of memorable.
Vocabulary lists containing memorable
Total Recall: Mem
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Workshop 4, Part 1
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"Journeys," Vocabulary from Lesson 29
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“To us, the most memorable version of the character was the one that was like a silent film actor.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026
She had memorable cameos on TV shows like “Designing Women.”
From Salon ● Aug. 25, 2026
The three-term representative, one of the more memorable members of Congress, also noted how unpracticed Graham is at politics.
From Slate ● Aug. 25, 2026
At St James' Park last August, Ngumoha became the youngest goalscorer in Liverpool's history with a memorable 100th-minute winner.
From BBC ● Aug. 23, 2026
He was no less memorable for speaking plain.
From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
