commemorative

adjective

com·​mem·​o·​ra·​tive kə-ˈmem-rə-tiv 

-ˈme-mə-;

-ˈme-mə-ˌrā-tiv

: intended as a commemoration

especially : issued in limited quantities for a limited time to honor or feature someone or something

a commemorative stamp

commemorative noun

commemoratively adverb

Synonyms of commemorative

• commemorating
• memorial

Examples of commemorative in a Sentence

commemorative stamps for the stars of American popular music

Recent Examples on the Web

America's most popular league and its 32 clubs will honor the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, through a series of commemorative efforts in communities across the globe. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026

The agency has also proposed a $250 bill and 24K gold commemorative coin with the president’s image. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

Here’s everything to know about the commemorative toy, its current value and where to find one. — Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026

The festivities have included shows in New York City, and upcoming gigs in Los Angeles, Paris, and London, a series of pop-up events and activations, and even a run of commemorative library cards with the Brooklyn Public Library system. — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

commemorative

adjective

com·​mem·​o·​ra·​tive kə-ˈmem-ə-rət-iv 

-ˌrāt-

: intended to commemorate a person, thing, or event

a commemorative postage stamp

commemorative noun