reminiscent
Americanadjective
-
awakening memories of something similar; suggestive (usually followed by of).
His style of writing is reminiscent of Melville's.
-
characterized by or of the nature of reminiscence.
-
given to reminiscence.
a reminiscent old sailor.
adjective
-
stimulating memories (of) or comparisons (with)
-
characterized by reminiscence
-
(of a person) given to reminiscing
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of reminiscent
First recorded in 1755–65; from Latin reminiscent-, stem of reminiscēns “remembering,” present participle of reminiscī “to remember,” from re- re- + -miniscī (akin to mēns “mind”; mind )
Explanation
If your uncle tells you that your outfit is reminiscent of the way your mother dressed when she was young, it means your clothes remind him of your mother. Hopefully that doesn't mean your mother is still dressing you. Reminiscent traces back to the Latin for "remember." If a house is reminiscent of your childhood home, it makes you remember your childhood home. Reminiscent can have a good or bad implication. If you tell someone that her paintings are reminiscent of a chimp's finger paintings, obviously that's not so good. But if you tell her that they're reminiscent of Dali, well that might be better.
Vocabulary lists containing reminiscent
Beloved
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
100 SAT words Beginning with "R"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
David Bowie (1947-2016) Tribute List
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A pair of pink, sparkling high-heeled boots flashes across the screen, reminiscent of a classic montage from HBO’s “The Wire.”
From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2026
The company’s box-shaped vehicles have sliding doors and seats more reminiscent of subway trains than automobiles.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026
The attacks are reminiscent of a crisis that rocked Mali in 2012, when Tuareg rebels allied with jihadists to capture strategic hubs in the country's vast, remote north.
From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026
It's also very reminiscent of the iconic kit that Mexico wore at France '98.
From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026
The sauce for the leg was almost joltingly rich and earthy, powerfully reminiscent of the forest.
From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
