mnemonics

American  

[ni-mon-iks] / nɪˈmɒn ɪks /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the process or technique of improving or developing the memory.

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mnemonics British  

/ nɪˈmɒnɪks /

noun

1. the art or practice of improving or of aiding the memory

2. a system of rules to aid the memory

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Etymology

Origin of mnemonics

First recorded in 1700–10; mnemonic, -ics

Example Sentences

Cognitive science shows that mnemonics help memory, distinctive voice draws attention and a sense of joy strengthens retention.

From Salon • Sep. 4, 2025

He told The Washington Post that mnemonics and word association have “nothing to do with intelligence, only memory.”

From Washington Post • Apr. 8, 2023

What’s far more rare are reports of people who do this without even trying, without having to learn and train with an endless series of mnemonics and so on.

From The Guardian • Apr. 27, 2017

Before exams, he would fill a little book with colorful diagrams and mnemonics.

From New York Times • Oct. 9, 2015

Learning notes on a staff certainly seems dull, but coming up with mnemonics for the notes on the staff can actually be fun.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin