memorandum

noun

mem·​o·​ran·​dum ˌme-mə-ˈran-dəm 

plural memorandums or memoranda ˌme-mə-ˈran-də 

1

: an informal record

also : a written reminder

2

: an informal written record of an agreement that has not yet become official

3

a

: an informal diplomatic (see diplomatic sense 2) communication

b

: a usually brief communication written for interoffice circulation

The company president sent a memorandum to every employee.

c

: a communication that contains directive, advisory, or informative matter

The memorandum called particular attention to the plight of refugees.

memorandums or memoranda?: Usage Guide

Although some commentators warn against the use of memoranda as a singular and condemn the plural memorandas, our evidence indicates that these forms are rarely encountered in print. We have a little evidence of the confusion of forms, including use of memorandum as a plural, in speech (as at congressional hearings). As plurals memoranda and memorandums are about equally frequent.

Synonyms of memorandum

• notice
• memo
• letter
• declaration
• directive
• message
• announcement

Examples of memorandum in a Sentence

I'm waiting for the memorandum that will explain the new vacation policy.

the studio executives depend on endless memoranda to keep track of what's going on at a movie shot on location

Recent Examples on the Web

On Tuesday, Syre announced a memorandum of understanding with ABB, the Swedish-Swiss tech giant that specializes in electrification and automation—both critical to running the plant. —Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2026

The partnership comes as Barunson E&A has been broadening its involvement in earlier-stage development, most recently through a memorandum of understanding with Studio N to develop projects rooted in webtoon and web novel IP. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 Apr. 2026

In other business, the board unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding between the town of Hebron, the Boone Township Trustee, the Porter Township Trustee, and themselves to create a committee to study the need for regional fire and emergency services for Southwest Porter County. —Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026

Amid the gridlock on Capitol Hill, and as lines and turmoil grew at some of the nation's busiest airports, Trump on Friday signed a memorandum directing DHS to work with the White House budget office to pay employees at the Transportation Security Administration. —Michelle Stoddart, ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, to be remembered, from Latin, neuter of memorandus, gerundive of memorare

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for memorandum

• fandom
• random
• tandem
• nonrandom

Kids Definition

memorandum

noun

mem·​o·​ran·​dum ˌmem-ə-ˈran-dəm 

plural memorandums or memoranda -də 

1

: an informal record or communication

2

: a brief written reminder

Legal Definition

memorandum

noun

mem·​o·​ran·​dum ˌme-mə-ˈran-dəm 

plural memorandums; plural memoranda -də 

1

: a usually informal written communication

2

: a record (as a note) which is used by a party seeking to enforce an otherwise oral agreement in accordance with the Statute of Frauds to prove that the other party agreed to a contract and which need not contain all the terms of the contract itself

3

: brief

4

: memorandum decision