souvenir

noun

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

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.
And of course, there’s a gift shop to take home some souvenirs. K.j. Yossman, Variety, 30 June 2026 Each reservation comes with a 32-ounce souvenir cup and cutting shears. Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2026 Pick only the most meaningful greeting cards, kids' crafts, and travel souvenirs to hold onto. Anna Halkidis, The Spruce, 1 July 2026 The Village Shops For even more souvenirs, head to The Village Shops. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Souvenir.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/souvenir. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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