Main Difference
The main difference between Monument and Memorial is that the Monument is a type of structure either explicitly created to commemorate a person or important event, or used for that purpose and Memorial is a object which serves as a focus for memory of something.
Monument
A monument is a type of – usually three-dimensional – structure that was explicitly created to commemorate a person or event, or which has become relevant to a social group as a part of their remembrance of historic times or cultural heritage, due to its artistic, historical, political, technical or architectural importance. Examples of monuments include statues, (war) memorials, historical buildings, archeological sites, and cultural assets. If there is a public interest in its preservation, a monument can for example be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Memorial
A memorial is an object which serves as a focus for memory of something, usually a person (who has died) or an event. Popular forms of memorials include landmark objects or art objects such as sculptures, statues or fountains, and even entire parks.
Monument (noun)
A structure built for commemorative or symbolic reasons, or as a memorial; a commemoration.
“There is a monument on the town green to the soldiers who died in World War I.”
Monument (noun)
An important site owned by the community as a whole.
Monument (noun)
An exceptional or proud achievement.
Monument (noun)
An important burial vault or tomb.
Monument (noun)
A legal document.
Monument (noun)
A surveying reference point marked by a permanently fixed marker (a survey monument).
Memorial (noun)
A structure, such as a monument, intended to celebrate the memory of a person or event.
Memorial (noun)
A service of remembrance or commemoration.
Memorial (noun)
a statement of facts set out in the form of a petition to a person in authority, a court or tribunal, a government, etc.
Memorial (adjective)
Serving as a remembrance of someone or something; commemorative.
“a memorial building”
Memorial (adjective)
Contained in the memory.
“a memorial possession”
Memorial (adjective)
Mnemonic; assisting the memory.
Monument (noun)
a statue, building, or other structure erected to commemorate a notable person or event
“a monument to Magellan is in the main square of the city”
“a simple stone monument marked the nearby crash site”
Monument (noun)
a statue or other structure placed over a grave in memory of the dead
“a handsome monument of granite is placed over the grave”
Monument (noun)
a building, structure, or site that is of historical importance or interest
“the amphitheatre is one of the many Greek monuments in Sicily”
Monument (noun)
an enduring and memorable example of something
“recordings that are a monument to the art of playing the piano”
Memorial (noun)
a statue or structure established to remind people of a person or event
“a memorial to General Robert E. Lee”
Memorial (noun)
intended to commemorate someone or something
“a memorial service in the dead man’s honour”
Memorial (noun)
a statement of facts, especially as the basis of a petition
“the Council sent a strongly worded memorial to the Chancellor of the Exchequer”
Memorial (noun)
a record or memoir
“Mrs Carlyle’s Letters and Memorials”