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memoirs

n.
US //ˈmɛmˌwɑɹz// UK //mˈɛmwɑːz// mem·oirs
  1. 1 an autobiography (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a book written by a person about their own life, usually focusing on their personal memories and feelings.

    a narrative account of a person's life or a specific period of it, written by that person. Often used in the plural form even when referring to a single work.

    Example

    The retired politician spent three years writing his memoirs about his time in office.

    Example

    After decades of silence, the former diplomat finally published her memoirs, providing a rare glimpse into the secret negotiations of the late twentieth century.

    Usage

    Usually plural in form even when referring to a single published volume.
    Pitfall
    I am reading the memoir of Winston Churchill.
    I am reading the memoirs of Winston Churchill.

    While 'memoir' is used, the plural form 'memoirs' is much more common when referring to a published book about someone's life.

Last updated June 20, 2026