souvenir

[soo-vuh-neer, soo-vuh-neer]

noun

1. a usually small and relatively inexpensive article given, kept, or purchased as a reminder of a place visited, an occasion, etc.; memento.

   Synonyms: token, keepsake, reminder

2. a memory.

souvenir

/ ˌsuːvəˈnɪə, ˈsuːvəˌnɪə /

noun

1. an object that recalls a certain place, occasion, or person; memento

verb

1. euphemistic,  to steal or keep (something, esp a small article) for one's own use; purloin

Word History and Origins

Origin of souvenir¹

1765–75; < French, noun use of ( se ) souvenir to remember < Latin subvenīre to come to mind, equivalent to sub- sub- + venīre to come

Word History and Origins

Origin of souvenir¹

C18: from French, from ( se ) souvenir to remember, from Latin subvenīre to come to mind, from sub- up to + venīre to come

Example Sentences

The new temporary display included a photograph of the writer on set with the film's director, Lewis Gilbert, and Roald Dahl's own souvenir 007 tie.

Read more on BBC

Outside on one of the side streets that are full of stalls offering tourism souvenirs, like fluffy alpacas and scarves, Dina Huillca is sitting on the pavement selling roses, tomatoes and mint.

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She decided to quit that role after seeing how the big-eyed Beanie Babies she brought home as souvenirs for her daughter after each work trip had taken over her room.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The happy hands became Ms. McDermott’s solace and her souvenir, and later—when her son developed his own fondness for them, as mother and son cooked and baked together—a renewed source of happiness.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Like, a memento. I should have grabbed something when I was at home, but I forgot. You need something to take back with you, right? A souvenir or something!”

Read more on Literature

Related Words

• gift 
• memento 
• relic 
• trophy