Memorial Day

noun

1

: May 30 formerly observed as a legal holiday in most states of the U.S. in remembrance of war dead

2

: the last Monday in May observed as a legal holiday in most states of the U.S.

3

: confederate memorial day

Examples of Memorial Day in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Maryland's years long drought As of Memorial Day, nearly 51% of Maryland was in a severe drought. — Renee Anderson, CBS News, 30 July 2026

Annually, Memorial Day kicks off the poolside menu at ART is a great plus—and technically, a playground. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026

Other activities at this state park include camping, picnic tables with grills, a playground, a reservable shelter, and interpretive nature programs offered from Memorial Day until Labor Day. — Zuri Primos july 26, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the Museum at the Brig is also worth a visit for anyone interested in the area’s World War II history. — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for Memorial Day

• andromache
• bioassay
• cabriolet
• cercariae
• communique
• companionway
• compositae
• decussate
• examinee
• fabaceae
• glyphosate
• gramineae

Kids Definition

Memorial Day

noun

1

: May 30 once observed as a legal holiday in honor of those who died in war

2

: the last Monday in May observed as a legal holiday in most states of the U.S.