Monument
/ˈmɒn.jʊ.mənt/noun
A structure or object built to commemorate a person, event, or idea.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from Latin *monumentum*, which was tied to memory and remembrance, so a monument was originally something meant to keep a presence alive after death.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*men-
“to think, remember, keep in mind”
Latin
Latin
monēre
“to remind, warn, advise”
Latin
Latin
monumentum
“a reminder, memorial, or warning sign”
Old French
Old French
monument
“a memorial, tomb, or commemorative structure”
Middle English
English
monument
“a memorial structure or lasting record”
Modern English
English
monument
“a structure built to commemorate someone or something”