memorization

noun

mem·​o·​ri·​za·​tion ˌme-mə-rə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce memorization (audio)
ˌme-mə-(ˌ)rī-,
ˌmem-rə-
: the act or process of memorizing something : commitment of something to memory
The current emphasis on written exams and memorization encourages what is referred to bitterly by many educators as "teaching to the test."Alison Lurie
Seeking a balance to his daily diet of science and memorization of facts, he pursues music avocationally.Judith Wynn Halsted
Common core standards, which Alabama adopted in 2010 and implemented in 2012, emphasize thinking mathematically rather than memorization of formulas.Trisha Powell Crain

Examples of memorization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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But Bailey was also eager to show another side of Gandolfini: a hard-driving, obsessive character actor who fretted over line memorization and sought out projects and roles that cut against what naturally became a tough-guy persona. Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025 Francis criticized the view that history is mere chronology – rote memorization that fails to analyze events. Joëlle Rollo-Koster, The Conversation, 28 Mar. 2025 Levy’s tests expose how LLMs rely on memorization rather than genuine numerical reasoning. Ashok Reddy, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025 Harder than organic chemistry, and with more memorization. D. Graham Burnett, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for memorization

Word History

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of memorization was in 1816

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Cite this Entry

“Memorization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/memorization. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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