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A "Memory Stick" can refer to one of two distinct computer terms: a proprietary flash memory card developed by Sony, or more informally, a generic USB flash drive. The correct meaning depends on the context.

1. Proprietary Sony Memory Stick. The original and official "Memory Stick" was a family of removable flash memory card formats developed and marketed by Sony, starting in 1998.

Design: The original cards were roughly the size and shape of a stick of chewing gum.

Technology: It used flash memory to store digital data.

Purpose: As a proprietary format, it was used almost exclusively in Sony products during the 2000s, including Cyber-shot digital cameras, Handycam camcorders, PlayStation Portable consoles, and some VAIO computers and mobile phones.

Evolution: Sony introduced several versions to increase speed and capacity, such as the Memory Stick PRO, the smaller Memory Stick Duo, and the Micro (M2).

Decline: With the rise of the competing Secure Digital (SD) format, Sony's use of Memory Stick declined. In 2010, the company began including SD card slots in its products, and the Memory Stick format is now considered discontinued.

2. Informal USB flash drive. More commonly today, "memory stick" is used as a colloquial or informal term for a generic USB flash drive. Other informal names include thumb drive, pen drive, and jump drive.

Function: These small, portable devices use flash memory to store and transfer files from one computer or device to another.

Connectivity: They plug directly into a computer or other compatible device via a standard USB port.