Memoir

/ˈmɛm.wɑːr/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A historical account or biography written from personal knowledge or special sources.
Her latest memoir recounts her travels through Europe and the lessons she learned along the way.
An account of one's personal experiences, often written for publication.
The famous actor's memoir provides insight into the challenges and triumphs of her career.
A written record of events, often focusing on the author's own experiences or reflections.
He published a memoir that details his childhood experiences during the war.

Etymology

From French 'mémoire', meaning memory or recollection.

Common Phrases and Expressions

write a memoir
To compose a narrative about one's own life or experiences.
memoirist
A person who writes memoirs.
memoir writing
The act of composing a memoir.

Related Words

autobiography
An account of a person's life written by that person.
biography
An account of someone's life written by someone else.
reminiscence
A recollection of past events.

Slang Meanings

memo
He sent me a memo about the meeting.
life story
Her new book is really just a life story.