C1noun3K

Memoir

UK /["/ˈmemwɑː(r)/"]/US /["/ˈmemwɑːr/"]/

Definition

an account written by somebody, especially somebody famous, about their life and experiences

In simple words: A type of book where someone writes about their own life experiences.

Examples

O'Connor published a childhood memoir.
He has published a long memoir about those years.
She describes in her memoirs how she coped with her mother's death.
his brief memoir of his father's life
the market for political memoirs

Usage notes

Used when discussing personal life stories or historical experiences. More common in formal settings, such as literature classes or book clubs. Not usually used in casual conversation.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Sounds like 'memory' — think of writing down memories from your life.

Collocations

personal
childhood
political
publish
write
read
in your memoir
memoir about
memoir of
personal
childhood
political
publish
write
read
in your memoir
memoir about
memoir of

Synonyms

autobiography
life story
personal narrative
journal
recollection

Antonyms

fiction
novel

Common mistakes

Confused with 'biography' - a biography is about someone else.
Misspelling as 'memior'.
'Memoirs' used incorrectly as singular.