memorandum of understanding

British

noun

Abbreviations: MOU. MoU. law a document that describes the general principles of an agreement between parties, but does not amount to a substantive contract

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

The agreement — technically a memorandum of understanding — first would need to be approved by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the federal government and agencies in Arizona and Nevada.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2026

Japan and the EU will conclude a memorandum of understanding within 30 days on how they can jointly support projects in mining, refining, processing and recycling, the governments said in a joint statement.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

Seoul's presidential office insisted in November the deal does not require parliamentary approval, arguing it represents a memorandum of understanding rather than a binding legal document.

From Barron's • Jan. 26, 2026

Mitsubishi Fuso and Foxconn in August announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding to explore a strategic collaboration on electric buses.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026

The proposal recently took a step forward after a memorandum of understanding was signed by Stoke-on-Trent City Council and project lead the IFK Legacy Community Interest Company.

From BBC • Dec. 28, 2025

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023