memorandum

American  

[mem-uh-ran-duhm] / ˌmɛm əˈræn dəm /

noun

memorandums, plural memoranda plural

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.

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memorandum British  

/ 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

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Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• prememorandum
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• memoranda
  plural
• memorandums
  plural

Etymology

Origin of memorandum

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

Explanation

A memorandum is a written record, message, or reminder. If your boss sends out a memorandum that there'll be a special teamwork-building workshop on Friday morning, get ready to do trust falls. Memoranda (that's the plural) are often used in diplomacy, business, and law. Two countries might sign a memorandum of understanding that they will equally share use of the river that runs between them. A member of Congress might publish a memorandum criticizing the government’s education policies. You’re probably more familiar with the word's shortened form, memo, which means the same thing but is usually used in informal contexts, such as for messages within an office.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

memorandum memoranda memorandums

Earlier this month, Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a partnership to jointly produce American missiles in Europe, kickstarting a collaboration that is set to bolster Europe’s defense capabilities.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026

When Iran and the US signed a memorandum of understanding in June to halt military operations and reopen the strait, the price of oil fell back to pre-war levels of around $70 a barrel.

From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2026

Wang called for an early resumption of negotiations and the implementation of a memorandum of understanding aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East and the Gulf region, Xinhua reported.

From Barron's ● Jul. 24, 2026

The memorandum instructs banks to file suspicious activity reports with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, the U.S. government’s financial intelligence unit.

From Salon ● Jul. 23, 2026

The memorandum reiterated most of the points I had made in our secret committee meetings, but I wanted to make sure the state president heard them directly from me.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

The recent publication of confidential Supreme Court memoranda by The New York Times has brought to light a pivotal moment in the court’s history.

From Salon ● Apr. 25, 2026

Over the past year, they have signed contracts and memoranda of understanding to import gas from Turkey and Qatar to increase production.

From Barron's ● Jan. 30, 2026

He said Mr Trump "begins this case because he seeks a vindication of his legal rights… that the statements in these memoranda are false."

From BBC ● Oct. 16, 2023

Hester earlier Monday said a new version of the bill would instead expand an exemption for “unpublished memoranda, working papers, and correspondence” of the governor’s office to also include her Cabinet secretaries.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 11, 2023

“Is that what did it? My memoranda? Is that what made them put Scheisskopf in charge? Why didn’t they put me in charge?”

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

In early May, some smaller companies—including Hunt Oil, Crossover Energy, HKN Energy and Mercuria Energy Group—signed memorandums of understanding to explore new drilling and trading opportunities.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 28, 2026

President Donald Trump set the tone for his second term by issuing 26 executive orders, four proclamations and 12 memorandums on his first day back in office.

From Salon ● Oct. 8, 2025

However, most were non-binding memorandums of understanding without specified monetary commitments.

From BBC ● May 20, 2025

Shortly after taking office, Hochman removed a number of Gascón’s closest allies from leadership posts in the district attorney’s office, according to transfer memorandums issued at the time.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 3, 2025

It was not true that he wrote memorandums praising himself and recommending that his authority be enhanced to include all combat operations; he wrote memoranda.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

Related Words

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