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

May is almost upon us, and with it a brand new lineup of free PlayStation Plus Essential games just in time for Memorial Day and the end of the school year. —Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025

One of the best times to shop for a mattress is leading up to Memorial Day. —Nena Farrell, Wired News, 26 Apr. 2025

Hosted this year by Jennifer Lopez, the AMAs will air live from Las Vegas on Memorial Day. —Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 23 Apr. 2025

Hosted by Jennifer Lopez, the 51st annual American Music Awards will air live from Las Vegas on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26 on the CBS Television Network, and stream on Paramount+ in the U.S. at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. —Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2025

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
• microarray

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.