memorandum

memorandum — noun

1. a short written message sent to people within the same company or department, gi

1.nounB1
Definition

a short written message sent to people within the same company or department, giving information or instructions about a routine matter; the full form of the word 'memo'

Example

Ramón sent a memorandum to all staff reminding them about the fire drill on Friday.

send a memorandum to [group] about [topic]

I found a memo on my desk asking everyone to clean their work area.

Common collocations
  • send a memorandum
  • receive a memorandum
  • post a memorandum
  • inter-office memorandum
Synonyms
  • memo

    the everyday short form; use this in most spoken and written workplace contexts

  • note

    less structured and can be handwritten; not limited to workplace settings

Grammar Patterns

send + memorandum + to + person

memorandum + about/regarding + topic

Usage Note

Almost always replaced by the short form 'memo' in everyday workplace communication. The full word 'memorandum' sounds formal and is rarely used for routine notes.

2. a written document that gives information or makes suggestions about a particula

2.nounB2
Definition

a written document that gives information or makes suggestions about a particular subject, usually sent to a specific person, group, or committee within an organization

Example

Christopher prepared a memorandum for the board of directors outlining the company's new safety rules.

prepared a memorandum for [person/group] outlining [topic]

The sales director drafted a memorandum for the board outlining the proposed budget for next year.

Common collocations
  • prepare a memorandum
  • issue a memorandum
  • draft a memorandum
  • internal memorandum
  • confidential memorandum
Synonyms
  • report

    usually longer and more detailed; can be for audiences outside the organization

  • briefing note

    prepared specifically to inform someone before a decision or meeting; more concise

  • circular

    sent to a large number of people rather than to a specific person or group

Grammar Patterns

memorandum + about/on + topic

memorandum + for + recipient

memorandum + that-clause

Usage Note

In everyday workplace conversation, this sense is almost always shortened to 'memo.' Use 'memorandum' in formal writing or official documents.

Common Mistakes

I wrote a memorandum of the meeting and sent it to my boss.
I wrote a memorandum about the meeting and sent it to my boss.
Use 'about' or 'on' for the topic of a memorandum; 'of' is only used in fixed legal phrases like 'memorandum of understanding.'
I need to memorize this memorandum before the meeting.
I need to read this memorandum before the meeting.
'Memorize' means to learn by heart; 'memorandum' is a document you read.

3. a document that records the points that two or more parties have agreed on in pr

3.nounC1
Definition

a document that records the points that two or more parties have agreed on in principle, before a formal contract is written and signed

Example

The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding before they began working on the joint project.

collocation: memorandum of understanding

Yasmin and her business partner drafted a memorandum that listed the main terms of their future contract.

Common collocations
  • sign a memorandum of understanding
  • draft a memorandum of agreement
  • memorandum of understanding (MOU)
  • memorandum of agreement (MOA)
Synonyms
  • letter of intent

    a more formal written statement of a future agreement; often used in business deals

  • heads of agreement

    used in Commonwealth legal systems; lists the main terms of a proposed deal

Grammar Patterns

memorandum of understanding

memorandum of agreement

memorandum + that-clause

Usage Note

The phrase 'memorandum of understanding' (MOU) is very common in international business and diplomacy. An MOU is usually not legally binding by itself but shows serious intent to move toward a formal contract.

Common Mistakes

The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding, so the deal is now legally final.
The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding, but the formal contract has not been signed yet.
A memorandum of understanding is usually not a legally binding contract; it records the intention to make a formal agreement later.

Word family

  • memo
    nounB1
  • memoranda
    nounC1
  • memorialize
    verbC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/2

All five words refer to written communication in a workplace, but they differ in length, formality, and audience. 'Memo' is the everyday short form of 'memorandum' and is used for routine internal messages — it is the most common and least formal option. 'Report' is longer and more detailed than a memorandum, often based on research or data, and may be shared with people outside the organization. 'Briefing' is a concise document prepared specifically to give someone the information they need before a decision, meeting, or event. 'Note' is the most flexible and least structured of the five — it can be handwritten, very short, and used in almost any context. 'Circular' is a document sent to a large number of people at once, such as all employees or all branch offices. For example, a manager might send a 'memo' about a policy change, attach a supporting 'report' with the data, and post a 'briefing' for the board meeting — all in one day.

memo ↗report ↗briefing ↗note ↗circular ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • memorandum of understanding
  • memorandum of agreement
  • inter-office memorandum
  • confidential memorandum

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinEnglish

The word 'memorandum' comes directly from Latin, where it means 'something to be remembered.' It is formed from the verb 'memorare' (to call to mind, to mention) plus the suffix '-andum' (which means 'to be done'). The word was first used in English in the 1400s for written notes that a person wanted to remember. Over time it developed into a formal term for official documents in government, law, and business.