To remind someone is to help them remember something they might have forgotten or overlooked. When your mom reminds you to pack your lunch before school, she's bringing that task back to your attention. When a teacher reminds the class about tomorrow's field trip, she's making sure everyone keeps it in mind.

We all need reminders because our brains can't hold every detail at once. You might set an alarm to remind yourself to call your grandmother, or leave your library books by the door as a reminder to return them. A friend might remind you of your promise to help with their science project.

The word can also mean making someone think of something similar. Your new neighbor might remind you of your cousin because they both love basketball and tell the same kinds of jokes. A song might remind you of summer camp because you sang it around the campfire.

A reminder is the thing that jogs your memory: a note, an alarm, or even a smell that brings back memories.