mnemonic

1 of 2

adjective

mne·​mon·​ic ni-ˈmä-nik 

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

ni-ˈmä-ni-k(ə-)lē 

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

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

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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 

1

: assisting or intended to assist memory

also : of or relating to mnemonics

2

: of or relating to memory

mnemonically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

mnemonic

2 of 2 noun

: a mnemonic device or code