Definition of MNEMONIC (original) (raw)
1
: assisting or intended to assist memory
To distinguish "principal" from "principle" use the mnemonic aid "the principal is your pal."
2
: of or relating to memory
: a mnemonic device or code
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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: _H_uron, _O_ntario, _M_ichigan, _E_rie, and _S_uperior.
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.
Additionally, the herb was used as a mnemonic enhancer. —
Nina Foster, JSTOR Daily, 20 Dec. 2024 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
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 See all Example Sentences for mnemonic 
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
Time Traveler
The first known use of mnemonic was in 1672
Dictionary Entries Near mnemonic
Cite this Entry
“Mnemonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mnemonic. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
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Last Updated: 25 Dec 2024 - Updated example sentences
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