memorize

American  

[mem-uh-rahyz] / ˈmɛm əˌraɪz /

especially British, memorise

verb (used with object)

memorized, memorizing

1. to commit to memory; learn by heart.

   to memorize a poem.

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verb (used without object)

memorized, memorizing

1. to learn by heart.

   I've always been able to memorize easily.

memorize British  

/ ˈmɛməˌraɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to commit to memory; learn so as to remember

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Other Word Forms

• memorizable adjective
• memorization noun
• memorizer noun
• rememorize verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of memorize

First recorded in 1585–95; memor(y) + -ize

Example Sentences

"They just memorize, and they can give you some insight, but they don't understand what they're talking about."

From Science Daily • Mar. 17, 2026

Consider the little ditty my son was taught to memorize in the first grade:

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 9, 2025

A multitude of fussy apps and the need to memorize countless verbal commands were a big part of the problem.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 3, 2025

“Keep your citizenship paperwork handy, memorize emergency contacts, and reach out to your lawmakers,” she said.

From Salon • Jul. 23, 2025

As Dilly talks, I focus on every word, memorize every detail.

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin