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

Abercrombie is known for running annual sales, like those for Memorial Day, Black Friday, and more. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 6 July 2026

Nothing says Memorial Day or the Fourth of July quite like this dessert. — Phoebe Evans, Southern Living, 4 July 2026

The 79-year-old actor frequently marks the Fourth of July, Memorial Day and Veterans Day with tributes to those who have served. — Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

Lifeguards are usually scheduled from Memorial Day through Labor Day at the park. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 1 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.