reminder
rih-MYN-duh
Reminder (noun) means something that makes you remember or think of something else. Example: “The smell of baking bread was a reminder of my grandmother's kitchen.”
noun
1
Something that makes you remember or think of something else.
"The smell of baking bread was a reminder of my grandmother's kitchen."
"This photo is a lovely reminder of our holiday by the sea."
"The scar was a permanent reminder of the accident."
2
A message sent to prompt someone about something due, like a bill or appointment.
"The dentist sent me a text reminder about tomorrow's appointment."
"I set a daily reminder on my phone to take my vitamins."
"I got a reminder that my library book is overdue."
How to use reminder
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAnything — an object, note, or message — that jogs your memory.
Common pairings
gentle reminder
set a reminder
payment reminder
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Word forms
- Plural
- reminders
Fill the gap
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The smell of baking bread was a _____ of my grandmother's kitchen.
Etymology
Formed from remind and -er.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for reminder
See all rhymes for reminder →Frequently asked questions
What does “reminder” mean?
The word “reminder” means something that makes you remember or think of something else. In plain terms, anything — an object, note, or message — that jogs your memory.
How do you pronounce “reminder”?
“Reminder” is pronounced rih-MYN-duh (/ɹɪˈmaɪndəɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “reminder” in a sentence?
Here is “reminder” used in a sentence: “The scar was a permanent reminder of the accident.”
What part of speech is “reminder”?
“Reminder” is a noun.
Is “reminder” a common word?
“Reminder” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “reminder” have?
“Reminder” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something that makes you remember or think of something else.
What is the difference between a reminder and a notification?
A reminder is anything that prompts you to remember something you might otherwise forget, such as an appointment or an unpaid bill. A notification is simply an alert that information has arrived; it becomes a reminder only when its purpose is to make you act on something due. In everyday tech use the two overlap, but 'reminder' stresses the memory-jogging function.
Do you say 'reminder of' or 'reminder about' something?
Use 'a reminder of' when the thing brings a memory or feeling to mind, as in 'a reminder of happier times.' Use 'a reminder about' or 'a reminder to' when the message prompts action, as in 'a reminder about the meeting' or 'a reminder to pay the bill.' Both prepositions are correct, but they fit different senses of the word.
What are common phrases used with reminder?
Frequent collocations include 'set a reminder,' 'send a reminder,' 'gentle reminder,' 'friendly reminder,' and 'quick reminder.' The adjectives 'gentle' and 'friendly' soften a prompt about something due so it sounds polite rather than demanding. 'Set a reminder' is the standard phrase for scheduling an alert on a phone or calendar.
When should you use 'reminder' instead of 'prompt'?
Use 'reminder' when the aim is to help someone remember something they already know about, like a due date or a memory. Use 'prompt' when you are cueing an action or response for the first time. A reminder repeats a known point, while a prompt can introduce a fresh cue.
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