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

“Too often, inflated and subjective performance ratings have resulted in dollars available for performance awards being distributed broadly across the majority of employees,” Kupor wrote in a memorandum.

From The Wall Street Journal

The two leaders exchanged memorandums during Friday's briefing, outlining mutual objectives in areas including trade and agriculture.

From BBC

Deals and memorandums have been signed in shipbuilding, training of Indian seafarers to operate in polar waters, investments in new shipping lanes, civil nuclear energy, visa-free travel and critical minerals.

From BBC

The announcement came as the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, signed a memorandum of understanding with the European Investment Bank under which the bank agreed to provide advisory support to interested parties.

From The Wall Street Journal

Details of the internal memorandum were first reported in The Information.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

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