Word
memoir
Phoneticsmem·oir, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmɛmˌwɑɹ/
UK/mˈɛmwɑː/
Definitions
01personal autobiography
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a book that someone writes about their own life, focusing on their personal memories and feelings.
n. an autobiographical account focusing on the author's personal experiences and observations of events.
“The retired pilot wrote a memoir about his adventures flying across the desert.”
“In her poignant memoir, the former diplomat reflects on the private struggles that occurred behind the scenes of major international negotiations.”
Synonyms
02biographical account
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. a book about someone else's life written by a person who knew them very well.
n. a biography written from personal knowledge of the subject or from sources with intimate personal knowledge.
“He published a short memoir of his late father to share with the family.”
“The professor's memoir of his mentor provides a rare, intimate glimpse into the private character of the famous scientist.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “memoir” in context.
Verb
01. pen a memoir
“After retiring from public office, the senator decided to pen a memoir about his years in Washington.”
verb + noun
02. publish a memoir
“She published a memoir that detailed her harrowing escape from the war zone.”
verb + noun
03. serialise a memoir
“The national newspaper chose to serialise the memoir over five consecutive weekends.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. candid memoir
“His candid memoir shocked the industry by revealing the dark side of Hollywood stardom.”
adj + noun
05. poignant memoir
“The author's poignant memoir explores the complexities of grief and healing after loss.”
adj + noun
06. tell-all memoir
“The former assistant is set to release a tell-all memoir about the CEO's private life.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. memoir writer
“As a professional memoir writer, she helps celebrities structure their life stories for publication.”
noun + noun
08. volume of memoirs
“The library recently acquired a rare, leather-bound volume of memoirs from the Victorian era.”
noun + of + noun
Real-World Examples
“Johnson’s memoir “ All Boys Aren’t Blue ” and Maia Kobabe’s autobiographical graphic novel “ Gender Queer ” are among the most banned books in schools in recent years.” “Completing the shortlist is another debut, Aea Varfis-Van Warmelo’s Attention-Seeking Behaviour, which is narrated by a compulsive liar and combines fiction with memoir and essay.” “They make a short film telling a story of friendship on campus and end with a friendship memoir tracing how their own relationships and expectations changed during their first semester of college.” “Princess Diana's brother apologised to Morgan for a factual error in his memoir.” Etymology
From French mémoire (“memoir”), from Latin memoria (“memory”). Doublet of memoria and memory.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
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