memorandum

[mem-uh-ran-duhm]

noun

plural

memorandums, memoranda 

1. a short note designating something to be remembered, especially something to be done or acted upon in the future; reminder.

2. a record or written statement of something.

3. an informal message, especially one sent between two or more employees of the same company, concerning company business.

   an interoffice memorandum.

4. Law.,  a writing, usually informal, containing the terms of a transaction.

5. Diplomacy.,  a summary of the state of an issue, the reasons for a decision agreed on, etc.

6. a document transferring title to goods but authorizing the return of the goods to the seller at the option of the buyer.

memorandum

/ ˌmɛməˈrændəm /

noun

1. a written statement, record, or communication such as within an office

2. a note of things to be remembered

3. an informal diplomatic communication, often unsigned: often summarizing the point of view of a government

4. law a short written summary of the terms of a transaction

Other Word Forms

• prememorandum noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of memorandum¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin: something to be noted, noun use of neuter of memorandus, gerundive of memorāre to mention, tell

Word History and Origins

Origin of memorandum¹

C15: from Latin: (something) to be remembered

Example Sentences

But Carney's memorandum of understanding with Alberta to advance an initiative that involves piping bitumen to Canada's northwest Pacific coast and building a massive port to accommodate oil tankers has drawn outrage.

Read more on Barron's

A pact, or memorandum of understanding, sets conditions under which a new pipeline that carries crude oil from Alberta to the Pacific Coast can be built.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The memorandum of understanding mandates consultation with Indigenous groups and Indigenous co-ownership of any infrastructure.

Read more on Barron's

The memorandum of understanding mandates consultation with Indigenous groups and Indigenous co-ownership of any infrastructure.

Read more on Barron's

The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding in June and made their latest announcement at the Dubai Airshow.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• announcement 
• diary 
• directive 
• letter 
• memo 
• message 
• notice 

When To Use

Plural word for memorandum

The plural form of memorandum can be either memoranda or memorandums. The plurals of several other singular words that end in -um are also formed this way, including curriculum/curricula and bacterium/bacteria. Irregular nouns whose plurals are formed like memoranda derive directly from their original pluralization in Latin. However, the standard English plural -s ending is often also acceptable for many of these terms, as in curriculums and forums.