Plural of Memorandum
“Memorandum” has two current dictionary-recorded plurals: the Latin-derived “memoranda” and regular English “memorandums.” Both appear in business and formal contexts, so the grammar does not require “memoranda” merely because the document is legal or professional.
Both “memoranda” and “memorandums” are accepted plurals of “memorandum.”
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| one document/message | memorandum | Singular. |
| more than one | memoranda | Accepted plural. |
| more than one | memorandums | Also accepted plural. |
Quick tests
Plural-choice test
Are you referring to more than one memorandum?
If yes: Use “memoranda” or “memorandums.”
If no: Use singular “memorandum.”
Caveat: A legal or organizational style guide may specify a preference; that is a local convention, not a universal grammar rule.
Examples
The committee reviewed three memoranda.
“Memoranda” is an accepted plural.
The department issued several memorandums.
“Memorandums” is also accepted.
The memorandum outlines the new procedure.
One document takes singular “memorandum.”
Further guidance
Core difference
Use “memoranda” or “memorandums” for more than one memorandum.
Fast Test
Match an established house or document style if one exists; otherwise either dictionary-recorded plural is available.
Usage Boundary
Do not claim that “memorandums” is automatically wrong or that “memoranda” is mandatory in formal writing.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- MEMORANDUM | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Cambridge records memoranda and memorandums as plurals of memorandum.