What does memo mean?
A memo is a short written communication that records information, gives instructions, or communicates a decision. It is especially common in offices, institutions, legal practice, and government, where it may be distributed internally or sent to specific recipients. The word is an abbreviation of “memorandum,” a term still favored in formal legal and diplomatic contexts. A memo may contain a brief report, announce a change in policy, explain a decision, or remind colleagues of an action. In less formal situations, “memo” can also mean any quick note, including one left as a reminder. The term is useful because it describes a practical document form that delivers a limited message clearly and efficiently, usually in a few paragraphs or bullet points.
A short official note or communication recording information, instructions, or a decision.
"The committee issued a memo summarizing the proposed changes."
Common in business, institutional, legal, and governmental contexts; often used for a brief internal document.
To memorize information for later recall.
"He memoized the list of terms before the exam."
Informal and chiefly North American; more common in educational and everyday speech than in formal writing.
“Memos” is standard in ordinary business and institutional contexts. “Memoranda” and “memorandums” are used especially in legal, academic, and diplomatic writing, though “memoranda” is the traditional plural of “memorandum.”
"The secretary distributed several memos before the meeting."
A memo began as a reminder: Latin “memorandum” literally meant “something to be remembered.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does memo come from?
The word “memo” is an informal shortening of “memorandum,” a Latin noun meaning “a thing to be remembered.” The Latin word comes from the imperative of memorare, “to remember,” which is also the source of English “memory” and related words such as “memorial” and “mnemonic.” “Memorandum” entered English in the 15th century and was later shortened to “memo,” especially in business and administrative contexts.
Related word forms
How memo is actually used
In professional and legal contexts, “memo” is usually a concise internal document. It can sound formal in business, academic, or governmental settings, while in casual use it simply means a note or reminder. The full form “memorandum” is preferred in formal legal and diplomatic writing.
Easily confused with memo
A memo is a written note or communication, whereas a memory is a faculty of the mind or something remembered.
A memo is a document or note, while a moment is a brief period of time.