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

Harder than organic chemistry, and with more memorization. —D. Graham Burnett, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2025

But their union has reserved most of its criticism for a math push that seeks to encourage critical thinking over rote memorization. —Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 23 Apr. 2025

Education must transcend rote memorization to cultivate critical thinkers and problem solvers. —Shelli Brunswick, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025

This disconnect stems from an outdated curriculum that prioritizes memorization over application, and standardized testing over critical thinking. —Scott White, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for memorization

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration