memorization

noun

mem·​o·​ri·​za·​tion ˌme-mə-rə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce memorization (audio)
ˌme-mə-(ˌ)rī-,
ˌmem-rə-
: the act or process of memorizing something : commitment of something to memory
The current emphasis on written exams and memorization encourages what is referred to bitterly by many educators as "teaching to the test."Alison Lurie
Seeking a balance to his daily diet of science and memorization of facts, he pursues music avocationally.Judith Wynn Halsted
Common core standards, which Alabama adopted in 2010 and implemented in 2012, emphasize thinking mathematically rather than memorization of formulas.Trisha Powell Crain

Examples of memorization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Commonly, traditional preschools and elementary schools encourage memorization skills to develop critical thinking and problem-solving. Jose Bolaños, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2024 Instead of learning to think critically and master basic science and technology, students are condemned to rote memorization. Jaejoon Woo, Foreign Affairs, 17 May 2023 Some language-learning apps are just memorization exercises. New Atlas, 28 Nov. 2024 Traditional testing might measure rote memorization but often fails to capture a learner's ability to apply new knowledge. Manoj Kulkarni, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for memorization 

Word History

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of memorization was in 1816

Dictionary Entries Near memorization

Cite this Entry

“Memorization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/memorization. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on memorization

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!