reminder

reminder — noun

1. A message, signal, or note that helps someone avoid forgetting to do something t

1.nounB1
Definition

A message, signal, or note that helps someone avoid forgetting to do something they planned or were expected to do.

Example

Hiro set a reminder on his phone to call his grandmother on Sunday.

reminder + to-infinitive

The hotel sent Noor a reminder about her reservation two days before her stay.

Common collocations
  • set a reminder
  • send a reminder
  • gentle reminder
  • friendly reminder
  • automatic reminder
Synonyms
  • prompt

    A more general term for any cue that triggers an action; often used in computing or performance contexts.

  • memo

    Specifically a short written note addressed to a person or group, usually in a workplace setting; implies formality.

  • notification

    A digital alert that appears on a screen; more technical and specific to electronic devices.

Grammar Patterns

reminder + to-infinitive

reminder + about + noun phrase

as a reminder

Usage Note

Frequently followed by a to-infinitive clause that specifies the intended action (e.g., 'a reminder to pay the bill'). Can also be used with 'about' for topic, or 'that' for a full clause.

Common Mistakes

I set a remember on my phone to call Mum.
I set a reminder on my phone to call Mum.
'reminder' is the noun; 'remember' is a verb and cannot be used as a noun.

2. Something — a person, object, or experience — that calls a past person, place, o

2.nounB1
Definition

Something — a person, object, or experience — that calls a past person, place, or life event back into your mind.

Example

The old photograph on the wall was a constant reminder of Soraya's childhood home in Vietnam.

reminder + of [noun phrase]

Lucas's knee scar was a reminder of the bicycle accident he had as a child.

Common collocations
  • constant reminder
  • painful reminder
  • serve as a reminder
  • act as a reminder
  • reminder of
Synonyms
  • memento

    A physical object kept specifically to remember a positive experience or person; carries a warmer, more nostalgic tone.

  • cue

    Something that serves as a signal to recall information; more neutral and often used in psychology or performance contexts.

  • token

    A symbolic object representing an event or relationship; more formal and often implies deliberate giving or keeping.

Grammar Patterns

reminder + of + noun phrase

as a reminder of

serve as a reminder

Usage Note

Almost always followed by 'of' + noun phrase ('a reminder of home'). The subject is most often an object or place; a person can serve this role, but it is less common and usually implies a stronger emotional weight.

Common Mistakes

That song reminded of my childhood.
That song was a reminder of my childhood.
'reminder' is a noun; it needs a verb like 'was' or 'served as' to complete the sentence.

Word family

  • remind
    verbA2
  • reminiscent
    adjectiveC1
  • reminiscence
    nounC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All five words refer to something that draws attention to an action or piece of information. A 'reminder' is the broadest everyday term: it can be anything from a sticky note to a phone notification that helps you not forget something. A 'prompt' is more about initiating action in a digital or performative context — a computer prompt asks for input, while a verbal prompt nudges someone to speak. A 'memo' is a formal written note within an organization, usually about policies or tasks. A 'notification' is specifically a digital alert on a screen (phone, computer), often with a sound or pop-up. An 'alert' is more urgent and attention-grabbing than a reminder; it signals something time-sensitive or important. Use 'reminder' when you simply want to avoid forgetting, 'notification' for electronic alerts, and 'memo' for workplace written communication.

reminderpromptmemonotificationalert

Common collocations

Nouns

  • phone
  • calendar
  • app
  • email
  • note
  • sticky note

Adverbs

  • gently
  • constantly
  • quietly
  • timely

Phrases

  • as a reminder
  • serve as a reminder
  • act as a reminder

Prepositions

  • about
  • of
  • for

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

The word 'reminder' is formed in English from the verb 'remind' plus the suffix '-er' (meaning 'a thing that does something'). 'Remind' itself comes from the prefix 're-' (meaning 'again') and 'mind' (an Old English word meaning 'to think, remember, or pay attention to'). So 'reminder' literally means 'something that brings something back to mind.'