reminiscence

noun

rem·​i·​nis·​cence ˌre-mə-ˈni-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce reminiscence (audio)
1
: apprehension of a Platonic idea as if it had been known in a previous existence
2
a
: recall to mind of a long-forgotten experience or fact
b
: the process or practice of thinking or telling about past experiences
3
a
: a remembered experience
b
: an account of a memorable experience
often used in plural
4
: something so like another as to be regarded as an unconscious repetition, imitation, or survival
Choose the Right Synonym for reminiscence

memory, remembrance, recollection, reminiscence mean the capacity for or the act of remembering, or the thing remembered.

memory applies both to the power of remembering and to what is remembered.

gifted with a remarkable memory
that incident was now just a distant memory

remembrance applies to the act of remembering or the fact of being remembered.

any remembrance of his deceased wife was painful

recollection adds an implication of consciously bringing back to mind often with some effort.

after a moment's recollection he produced the name

reminiscence suggests the recalling of usually pleasant incidents, experiences, or feelings from a remote past.

my grandmother's reminiscences of her Iowa girlhood

Examples of reminiscence in a Sentence

his reminiscences about the war were painful to hear we wondered whether she could trust her reminiscence of events that happened so long ago
Recent Examples on the Web When Elizabeth Babcock walks visitors through San Diego’s vast Balboa Park, the reminiscences pour forth. Manuel Roig-Franzia, Washington Post, 12 Mar. 2024 These snacks have nothing to do with standard levels of ‘health’, yet everything to do with fulfillment—and a reminiscence of youthful searches for deliciousness. Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Jan. 2024 Laughter, gossip, and reminiscences filled the intimate dinner. Ian Malone, Vogue, 10 Feb. 2024 This is where the reminiscence of the Old West ends, and a new experience of modern luxury begins. Krista Simmons, Sunset Magazine, 12 Feb. 2024 There are insightful spankings of Bill Clinton, JFK and Richard Nixon, as well as a glib reminiscence of being spanked, literally, by Margaret Thatcher. David Amsden, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2024 The mood is somber, but the adults trade smiles and laughs and reminiscences. Mitchell S. Jackson, New York Times, 20 Dec. 2023 The children who had only a few years with him offer reminiscences, as do his sister and a cousin. Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Sep. 2023 The reminiscences offered during brief remarks revealed a trailblazer’s mettle and character. Danielle Paquette, Washington Post, 27 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reminiscence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reminiscence was in 1589

Dictionary Entries Near reminiscence

Cite this Entry

“Reminiscence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reminiscence. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

reminiscence

noun
rem·​i·​nis·​cence ˌrem-ə-ˈnis-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce reminiscence (audio)
1
a
: a recalling to mind of a past experience
had a pleasant reminiscence of a favorite childhood toy
b
: the process of thinking or telling about past experiences
spent a pleasant hour in reminiscence
2
: an account of a memorable experience
often used in plural

More from Merriam-Webster on reminiscence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!