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

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

Out on the sidewalk and behind barriers, lookie-loos crane their necks for a peek at the competitors, while pin traders mill through the churning crowd in hopes of making a souvenir swap.

From Los Angeles Times

The towns nearest the volcano began selling souvenirs, like bumper stickers that read “Lava or Leave It,” and T-shirts that said “Mt. St. Helens, we lava you!”

From Literature

“I thought it would be a nice souvenir for my guy here, since he had a crush on her and all.”

From Literature

Related Words

• gift
• memento
• relic
• trophy