noun
memento mori
muh-MEN-toh MOR-ee
Memento mori (noun) means an object or image kept as a reminder that death comes to everyone, such as a skull, an hourglass or a wilting flower in a painting. Example: “The skull on the desk in the portrait is a memento mori.”
noun
1
An object or image kept as a reminder that death comes to everyone, such as a skull, an hourglass or a wilting flower in a painting.
"The skull on the desk in the portrait is a memento mori."
"He wore the ring as a memento mori, engraved with the date of his father's death."
2
Any reminder, event or saying that brings home the shortness of life.
"The funeral was a memento mori for everyone in that room."
How to use memento mori
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething kept around to remind you that you will die one day.
When to use it
Literary and artistic; common in art history, tattoo culture and Stoic writing.
Memory tip
A memento is any keepsake; a memento mori is specifically a reminder of death.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a memento mori
memento mori symbolism
memento mori tattoo
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Etymology
Latin, literally 'remember that you must die', from memento 'remember' and mori 'to die'.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for memento mori
See all rhymes for memento mori →Frequently asked questions
What does memento mori mean literally?
It is Latin for 'remember that you must die'. It was used as a moral reminder that worldly success and pleasure are temporary.
What is the difference between memento mori and carpe diem?
Memento mori tells you to remember death, usually to encourage humility and moral seriousness. Carpe diem, 'seize the day', draws the opposite conclusion from the same fact and urges you to enjoy life now.
What is the plural of memento mori?
The phrase is used unchanged for both singular and plural: one memento mori, several memento mori.
What is the meaning of memento mori?
"memento mori" (noun) means an object or image kept as a reminder that death comes to everyone, such as a skull, an hourglass or a wilting flower in a painting.
