memento
A memento is a small object that reminds someone of a happy memory or a special occasion. It's usually something they received as a gift or found on their travels.
When people talk about memorabilia, souvenirs, or keepsakes, they're often referring to mementos. For example, if you visit a new city and buy a postcard from the famous landmark there, it becomes a memento of your trip. You might also get a small statue or trinket as a gift from someone who wants to remember a particular moment with you. Mementos are like a tangible connection to the past that can bring back fond memories when you look at them or touch them. Some people keep their mementos in a special place, like an album or a box, so they don't get lost over time.
How common is "memento"?
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
noun
A keepsake; an object kept as a reminder of a place or event.
Example: I kept the shell as a memento of my visit to the seashore.
Real examples of "mementos" in context
