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

The traditional high school model, with its emphasis on rote memorization and standardized testing, is increasingly out of step with the demands of the 21st century. —Scott White, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025

For middle schools, local districts will choose from pre-approved curricular options that also includes Illustrative Math, which encourages students to use reasoning over memorization. —Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 5 Feb. 2025

Unlike outdated teaching methods that rely on memorization or guessing strategies, the Science of Reading focuses on how children's brains actually learn to read. —Linetta Jackson Special To The Democrat-Gazette, arkansasonline.com, 27 Feb. 2025

In contrast, 73% express frustration with rote memorization and assignments that seem disconnected from real-world success. —Ray Ravaglia, Forbes, 24 Feb. 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