souvenir

noun

sou·​ve·​nir ˈsü-və-ˌnir How to pronounce souvenir (audio)
ˌsü-və-ˈnir
Synonyms of souvenir
: something kept as a reminder (as of a place one has visited)
a souvenir of her travels
a souvenir shop

Synonyms of souvenir

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Examples of souvenir in a Sentence

When I went to the Super Bowl, I kept my ticket stub as a souvenir. kept their love letters as souvenirs of their courtship
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Chen said another product category that has taken off is their souvenir merchandise. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026 One ride said the falling man was even captured in their souvenir picture that’s automatically taken and offered for sale in the ride’s gift shop. — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026 One rider told Atlanta NBC affiliate 11Alive that Kariem’s fall was captured in rider souvenir photographs that are automatically taken as their train passes. — Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026 As with any important Christie’s exhibition, an accompanying catalog makes for the ideal souvenir. — Tanya Dukes, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for souvenir

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, act of remembering, from Middle French, from (se) souvenir to remember, from Latin subvenire to come up, come to mind — more at subvention

First Known Use

1782, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of souvenir was in 1782

Phrases Containing souvenir

Rhymes for souvenir

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Browse Nearby Words

Soutine
souvenir
souvenir sheet
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Cite this Entry

“Souvenir.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/souvenir. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

souvenir

noun
sou·​ve·​nir ˈsü-və-ˌni(ə)r How to pronounce souvenir (audio)
ˌsü-və-ˈni(ə)r
: something that serves as a reminder : memento
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