memorabilia
mem-uh-ruh-BIL-ee-uh
/ˌmem.ər.əˈbɪl.i.ə/
Objects kept or collected because of their historical interest, especially those associated with memorable people or events.
Usually refers to a collection of items rather than a single piece, and often has a public or commercial value (e.g., sports memorabilia).
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'memorabilis', meaning 'worthy of memory'. It was adopted into English to describe things that are remarkable or worth noting.
Word relationships
- collectibles: Collectibles are items bought as investments; memorabilia are items kept for their historical connection.
Commonly confused with
- memento: A memento is usually a single personal reminder; memorabilia is a collection of historically significant items.
Word family
- memory (noun): The faculty by which the mind stores information.
Collocations
- sports memorabilia
- war memorabilia
- movie memorabilia
Example sentences
- "The hard-core fan's basement was packed with Beatles memorabilia, including rare vinyl and original concert posters." Describing a collection.
- "The auction of Hollywood memorabilia fetched over three million dollars." In a news report.
Memory hook
'Memorabilia' are 'memorable' 'items'. Collection of memories.
When not to use
Do not use for personal items like a child's first tooth; 'keepsake' is better there.
Fun facts
- The most expensive piece of sports memorabilia ever sold was a Mickey Mantle baseball card, which went for $12.6 million.
Explore more words
souvenir, collection, memorial, commemorate, relic, heritage
Also appears in
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