What does memorial mean?
A memorial is something established or carried out to preserve the memory of a person, event, or place. The word most often describes a monument, plaque, museum, garden, or ceremony, but it can also refer to a public tribute or anniversary observance. As an adjective, “memorial” means intended to commemorate someone or something: a memorial service, plaque, or museum. In formal contexts, the verb “memorialize” means to commemorate someone through a public marker, ceremony, or other lasting tribute. The term is neutral in description, though memorials often carry emotional and historical weight because they connect private memory with public acknowledgment. It is commonly used for people who have died, significant events, and places associated with collective remembrance. The word’s development reflects its central purpose: it derives from the Latin root associated with remembering and remembering what is important.
A monument, institution, ceremony, or other public commemoration intended to preserve the memory of a person, event, or place.
"The war memorial stands at the entrance to the park."
Also used for a commemorative ceremony or gathering, especially in the phrase “memorial service.”
Relating to or intended to commemorate a person, event, place, or idea.
"The library was funded as a memorial project for local families."
Common in fixed combinations such as “memorial service,” “memorial plaque,” and “memorial museum.”
To commemorate or preserve the memory of someone or something.
"The ceremony memorialized the victims and their families."
This use is relatively uncommon; “memorialize” is often preferred in formal writing.
The plural is used for multiple monuments, institutions, ceremonies, or commemorative objects.
"Several memorials stand along the avenue."
A memorial turns remembrance into a public place: the word literally grew from the Latin idea of remembering.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does memorial come from?
The word comes through Old French from Late Latin memorialis, meaning “of or relating to memory.” That form was based on the Latin root memor, meaning “mindful” or “remembered,” which is also the source of words such as memory, memorable, and memorandum. English began using “memorial” in the Middle English period for a commemoration or a reminder, and its modern sense expanded to include monuments and institutions preserving collective memory.
Related word forms
How memorial is actually used
As a noun, “memorial” commonly refers to a monument or commemorative institution, and less commonly to a ceremony or gathering. As an adjective, it describes something intended to honor or remember. The verb form is less common in everyday use than “memorialize,” especially in British and US formal writing.
Easily confused with memorial
A memory is an individual mental recollection, whereas a memorial is a physical, ceremonial, or institutional means of preserving or honoring remembrance.
Memorable describes something worthy of being remembered, while memorial is typically a noun or adjective for an object, event, or practice that does the remembering.