memorabilia
Objects kept or collected because of their historical interest, especially those associated with memorable people or events.
Typically refers to items associated with popular culture, sports, or historical figures, carrying sentimental or nostalgic value rather than purely artistic merit.
Word relationships
- souvenirs: Souvenirs are typically cheap, mass-produced mementos of a place, whereas memorabilia consists of culturally or historically significant items.
- keepsakes: Keepsakes are highly personal items kept for sentimental reasons, while memorabilia often has broader public or commercial appeal.
- trash: Trash refers to worthless, discarded material with no historical, sentimental, or monetary value.
Commonly confused with
- souvenirs: Souvenirs are personal reminders of a trip, whereas memorabilia refers to items linked to famous people, teams, or historical events.
Word family
- memorable (adjective): Worth remembering or easily remembered.
- remember (verb): To bring to mind or think of again.
Collocations
- sports memorabilia
- movie memorabilia
- historical memorabilia
- collect memorabilia
Example sentences
- "The auction house sold millions of dollars of Beatles memorabilia, including John Lennon's iconic round glasses." A news report on a high-profile auction of rock history items.
- "His basement was a shrine to baseball, packed with autographed balls, vintage jerseys, and other sports memorabilia." A description of a sports fan's dedicated room.
Memory hook
Think of 'memory' + 'ability'. Memorabilia are items that have the 'ability' to trigger a 'memory' of a famous person or event. Items that keep memories alive.
When not to use
Do not use for fine art masterpieces or ancient archaeological artifacts that lack a direct connection to a specific 'memorable' modern event or person.
Fun facts
- One of the most expensive pieces of sports memorabilia ever sold was Babe Ruth's 1920 jersey, which fetched over $5.6 million at auction.
Related words
Explore more words
souvenir, collection, memorial, commemorate, relic, heritage
Also appears in
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