memorization

noun

mem·​o·​ri·​za·​tion ˌme-mə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

ˌme-mə-(ˌ)rī-,

ˌmem-rə-

: the act or process of memorizing something : commitment of something to memory

The current emphasis on written exams and memorization encourages what is referred to bitterly by many educators as "teaching to the test."

—Alison Lurie

Seeking a balance to his daily diet of science and memorization of facts, he pursues music avocationally.

—Judith Wynn Halsted

Common core standards, which Alabama adopted in 2010 and implemented in 2012, emphasize thinking mathematically rather than memorization of formulas.

—Trisha Powell Crain

Examples of memorization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That includes solving Rubik’s cubes at world record speeds, which comes out at 11.8 bits/sec, digit memorization challenges (4.9 bits/sec), professional Tetris (7 bits/sec), and speed card challenges (17.7 bits/sec), which involve studying a randomized deck of cards and recalling the order. —Michael Irving, New Atlas, 18 Dec. 2024

Measuring Success: Beyond Memorization The bill’s approach to assessing success may be overly simplistic, focusing on rote memorization rather than practical application. —Sukia Akiba, Boston Herald, 3 Aug. 2024

Commonly, traditional preschools and elementary schools encourage memorization skills to develop critical thinking and problem-solving. —Jose Bolaños, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2024

Instead of learning to think critically and master basic science and technology, students are condemned to rote memorization. —Jaejoon Woo, Foreign Affairs, 17 May 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined above