souvenir

American  

[soo-vuh-neer, soo-vuh-neer] / ˌsu vəˈnɪər, ˈsu vəˌnɪər /

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.

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souvenir British  

/ ˌsuːvəˈnɪə, ˈsuːvəˌnɪə /

noun

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

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verb

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

Etymology

Origin of souvenir

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

Example Sentences

Most domestic travelers won’t cancel trips due to a jump in gas prices, Elrod said, but they might borrow from their souvenir budget to cover additional fuel costs.

From MarketWatch

Leah proudly recalled “Rochester Knockings” souvenirs, such as spoons, pins, cups, and sheet music, being sold in the streets of New York City.

From Literature

Standing on a lively street in El Tunco, lined with bars, restaurants and souvenir shops selling T-shirts -- some printed with Bukele's face -- Lopez was philosophical about rights abuses in El Salvador.

From Barron's

Pierre is still wearing his heart sunglasses and napkin scarf, but the once-glorious souvenir is starting to fade.

From Literature

The refrigerator was covered in magnetic farm animals and souvenirs from places Glory and her aunt might have traveled to.

From Literature

Related Words

• gift
• memento
• relic
• trophy