reminisce

American  

[rem-uh-nis] / ˌrɛm əˈnɪs /

verb (used without object)

reminisced, reminiscing

1. to recall past experiences, events, etc.; indulge in reminiscence.

   Synonyms:

   muse, recollect, remember

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reminisce British  

/ ˌrɛmɪˈnɪs /

verb

1. (intr) to talk or write about old times, past experiences, etc

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Etymology

Origin of reminisce

First recorded in 1820–30; back formation from reminiscence

Explanation

Reminisce is a dreamy way of saying "remember the past." If you're swapping old stories with friends and remembering all the silly things you used to do, then you're reminiscing. Reminiscing is all about happy recollections and thinking back to stories from the past. It's hard to reminisce about the old days with someone you don't know very well or haven't known very long, since a key part of reminiscing is a shared history. But just about anyone can reminisce about going elementary school, learning to tie shoelaces, or getting that first job.

Example Sentences

"Also to reminisce about people who maybe didn't survive cardiovascular disease and being able to raise awareness and educate."

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

"Savoring can occur when we reminisce on a past experience, focus on the present moment or look ahead to a future experience."

From Science Daily • Feb. 14, 2026

He lives with his wife and two sons in West Orange, N.J., where they enjoy the Yankees in the summer, the Giants in the fall, and reminisce about Jeremy Lin in the winter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

When you began to reminisce, brain cells dormant just seconds before began firing chemicals at one another.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 27, 2025

How was I supposed to come up with a story for Sister Redempta or even a “Remember when...” to reminisce on with somebody else?

From "Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool

Related Words

• look back
• remind