memorandum

/ˈmɛməˌrændəm/

/mɛməˈrændəm/

Other forms: memorandums

A memorandum is a written record, message, or reminder. If your boss sends out a memorandum that there'll be a special teamwork-building workshop on Friday morning, get ready to do trust falls.

Memoranda (that's the plural) are often used in diplomacy, business, and law. Two countries might sign a memorandum of understanding that they will equally share use of the river that runs between them. A member of Congress might publish a memorandum criticizing the government’s education policies. You’re probably more familiar with the word's shortened form, memo, which means the same thing but is usually used in informal contexts, such as for messages within an office.

Definitions of memorandum

1. noun

   a written proposal or reminder
   synonyms: memo, memoranda

   types:

   aide-memoire, position paper

   a memorandum summarizing the items of an agreement (used especially in diplomatic communications)

   type of:

   note

   a brief written record