Static memory allocation is a method of allocating memory at compile time, meaning that the size and type of memory required are determined before the program runs. This type of allocation is typically used for variables whose size is known and does not change during the program's execution, such as arrays or fixed-size data structures. In static memory allocation, the memory is reserved in a specific location, and it remains allocated throughout the program's lifetime. This can lead to efficient memory usage, but it also means that the allocated memory cannot be resized or freed until the program ends, potentially leading to wasted space if not managed carefully.