memorandum

American  

[mem-uh-ran-duhm] / ˌmɛm əˈræn dəm /

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.

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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

• prememorandum noun

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

Example Sentences

Federal prosecutors had argued in a sentencing memorandum for Gálvez to serve a longer sentence — more than seven years — because of the seriousness of his offenses.

From Los Angeles Times

Their agencies expect to sign a memorandum of understanding to formalize their cooperation.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

“The government privately advised defendant’s then-counsel that defendant’s statements were contrary to evidence the government had already obtained during the Nix Gambling Business investigation,’’ prosecutors wrote in the trial memorandum.

From Los Angeles Times

Carney’s office said Thursday that the two sides had signed memorandums of understanding covering energy, combating crime and other issues, providing “the foundation for a new strategic partnership.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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