commemoration

noun

com·​mem·​o·​ra·​tion kə-ˌme-mə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce commemoration (audio)
1
: the act of commemorating
2
: something that commemorates

Examples of commemoration in a Sentence

Several well-known celebrities attended the commemoration.
Recent Examples on the Web So, not to have the traditional Russian public viewing of the body and then basically a commemoration of the graveside. CBS News, 25 Feb. 2024 However, most Americans today likely don't view the federal holiday as a commemoration of just one specific president. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2024 The group recommended the museum arrange for the burial of the remains in a historic Black cemetery and hold a public commemoration ceremony for the remains, among other things. Justin Gamble, CNN, 9 Feb. 2024 And since this is a day that doesn't come around often, people are celebrating in different ways, with businesses offering special deals in commemoration and others finally celebrating their Feb. 29 birthday. Emily Deletter, USA TODAY, 29 Feb. 2024 November will mark 35 years since the Wall's fall, though the largest commemoration will be the 164-foot Monument to Freedom and Unity, to be unveiled after the anniversary. Rick Jordan, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Feb. 2024 Russian media reported that authorities in some regions had been periodically clearing makeshift commemorations and police had been detaining people, seemingly at random. Yuliya Talmazan, NBC News, 19 Feb. 2024 Big anniversaries ending in zeroes are perfect opportunities for organizations like the Sundance Institute to cement their legacies, and ceremonial commemoration was in full swing at the festival’s opening-night gala on Thursday. Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 20 Jan. 2024 The Saturday vigil was a closing service for that commemoration. Arelis R. Hernández, Washington Post, 14 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'commemoration.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of commemoration was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near commemoration

Cite this Entry

“Commemoration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commemoration. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

commemoration

noun
com·​mem·​o·​ra·​tion kə-ˌmem-ə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce commemoration (audio)
1
: the act of commemorating
2
: a ceremony that commemorates

More from Merriam-Webster on commemoration

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