memorial

1 of 2

adjective

me·​mo·​ri·​al mə-ˈmȯr-ē-əl How to pronounce memorial (audio)
Synonyms of memorialnext
1
: serving to preserve remembrance : commemorative
a memorial plaque
2
: of or relating to memory
memorially adverb

memorial

2 of 2

noun

1
: something that keeps remembrance alive: such as
a
: monument
a war memorial
b
: something (such as a speech or ceremony) that commemorates
2
a
: record, memoir
… language and literature … the memorials of another age.J. H. Fisher
b
: memorandum, note
specifically : a legal abstract
c
: a statement of facts addressed to a government and often accompanied by a petition or remonstrance

Examples of memorial in a Sentence

Adjective a memorial plaque on the bridge for a diver who died in the line of duty Noun the Vietnam War Memorial is a starkly beautiful testimonial to the bravery of the soldiers who served in Vietnam
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
Family members of the victims joined supporters at a memorial event that reflected both the grief still felt and the strength of the community. Logan Hall, CBS News, 18 May 2026 Scholarship funding comes from local businesses, charitable organizations, community donors, memorial awards, alumni, and the Scholarship Fund’s fundraising efforts, including graduation yard signs and custom ribbon leis. Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2026
Noun
The memorial will include a space for people to pray and a timeline wall detailing the day Rouse was lynched. Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 May 2026 Officials say the repairs should be complete in time for this year’s Memorial Day service at the memorial. Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for memorial

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Latin memorialis, from memoria memory

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of memorial was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Memorial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/memorial. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

memorial

1 of 2 adjective
me·​mo·​ri·​al mə-ˈmōr-ē-əl How to pronounce memorial (audio)
-ˈmȯr-
: serving to preserve the memory of a person or an event
a memorial service
memorially adverb

memorial

2 of 2 noun
: something that keeps alive the memory of a person or event
especially : monument sense 1

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