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

Most of the free days are patriotic in nature, including Presidents' Day (February 16), Memorial Day (May 25), Independence Day weekend (July 3-5), Constitution Day (September 17) and Veterans Day (November 11). —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 6 Dec. 2025

Lovin’ Life Music Fest kicked off in uptown Charlotte on Memorial Day weekend 2024, showcasing national acts in a sold-out, three-day spectacular featuring Post Malone, Stevie Nicks and Noah Kahan. —Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 5 Dec. 2025

Across America will also debut at Epcot by Memorial Day 2026. —Carly Caramanna, Travel + Leisure, 3 Dec. 2025

This was canceled because the Royals are playing out of town in Texas the weekend after Memorial Day. —Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 3 Dec. 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.