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

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

But a senior member of Iran's parliament has dismissed the 14-point memorandum of understanding as a "wish list".

From BBC • May 7, 2026

It said both sides were close to agreeing on a "one-page memorandum of understanding to end the war."

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

The bank made clear in a 2024 memorandum to staff that the Budapest analysts “are not licensed to undertake any regulated activities,” including direct contact with clients and any handling of know-your-customer processes.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

The Department of Justice could resolve it even faster: one internal memorandum acknowledging what nearly every district court judge in the Southern District of New York has already held.

From Slate • Apr. 28, 2026

In a memo to FDR, Byrnes had urged that an outside panel of eminent scientists give the program a once-over—“rather a jittery and nervous memorandum and rather silly,” Stimson recalled.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

Related Words

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