mnemonic

1 of 2

adjective

mne·​mon·​ic ni-ˈmä-nik How to pronounce mnemonic (audio)
1
: assisting or intended to assist memory
To distinguish "principal" from "principle" use the mnemonic aid "the principal is your pal."
also : of or relating to mnemonics
2
: of or relating to memory
mnemonic skill
mnemonically adverb

mnemonic

2 of 2

noun

: a mnemonic device or code

Did you know?

Need a mnemonic device to remember how to spell mnemonic? Although the word’s pronunciation begins with an n sound, the spelling begins with an m, as in memory. There are very few English words that start this way (mnestic and mnioid are two others), and as with similar Latin and Greek borrowings such as pneumonia, we retained the double initial consonant but not the pronunciation. In addition to its adjectival use, mnemonic is also a noun used to refer to a mnemonic device, such as the famous—or infamous—spelling dictum “I before E, except after C,” which isn't consistently helpful (just ask your neighbor to weigh in on it).

Examples of mnemonic in a Sentence

Noun HOMES is used as a mnemonic for the names of the Great Lakes: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The mnemonic credentials are easier for most people to remember than the jumble of characters that appear in the private key. Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 6 Sep. 2024 Try pasting in your notes and having Copilot: Make custom flashcards Write a practice test Summarize complex topics in simple terms Create mnemonic devices to improve memorization With Microsoft Office and Windows 11 Pro at $54.97 (reg. Stack Commerce, Popular Science, 5 Sep. 2024
Noun
The new mnemonic was created by Ludwig Göransson, the composer behind The Mandalorian, Black Panther, Tenet, and more. David Pierce, The Verge, 27 Mar. 2024 Some of the best alternatives include exercise, meditation, visualization techniques (mnemonics devices) and a diet rich in omega-3, blueberries, nuts and seeds. Kelly Santana Banks, Discover Magazine, 16 Apr. 2023 See all Example Sentences for mnemonic 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mnemonic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Noun

Greek mnēmonikos, from mnēmōn mindful, from mimnēskesthai to remember — more at mind

First Known Use

Adjective

1672, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mnemonic was in 1672

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Dictionary Entries Near mnemonic

Cite this Entry

“Mnemonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mnemonic. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

mnemonic

adjective
mne·​mon·​ic
ni-ˈmän-ik
: assisting or intended to assist memory

Medical Definition

mnemonic

1 of 2 adjective
mne·​mon·​ic ni-ˈmän-ik How to pronounce mnemonic (audio)
1
: assisting or intended to assist memory
also : of or relating to mnemonics
2
: of or relating to memory
mnemonically adverb

mnemonic

2 of 2 noun
: a mnemonic device or code

More from Merriam-Webster on mnemonic

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