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.
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
The memorandum of understanding not only cancels the one-day strike, but also creates a framework for UMMAP 6730 and U-M Health's negotiating teams to reach a tentative agreement within the next two weeks.
—
Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 21 Nov. 2024
The memorandum of understanding that extended the current CBA will expire in September 2026, and a new CBA will be negotiated between the league and the NHLPA.
—Jake Piazza, CNBC, 20 Nov. 2024
While the memorandum sets out a pragmatic framework for managing AI’s growth, translating these policies into effective action will require sustained commitment and resources.
—James Broughel, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
The memorandum also emphasized the role Johnston plays in the life of his autistic daughter.
—Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for memorandum 
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Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 21 Nov. 2024
The memorandum of understanding that extended the current CBA will expire in September 2026, and a new CBA will be negotiated between the league and the NHLPA.
—Jake Piazza, CNBC, 20 Nov. 2024
While the memorandum sets out a pragmatic framework for managing AI’s growth, translating these policies into effective action will require sustained commitment and resources.
—James Broughel, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
The memorandum also emphasized the role Johnston plays in the life of his autistic daughter.
—Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for memorandum
Dictionary Entries Near memorandum
Cite this Entry
“Memorandum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/memorandum. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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