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

Piles of brush have been growing along lawns since Memorial Day weekend, some nearly five feet tall as fresh branches and leaves are heaped atop weeks-old debris. — Lila Hempel-Edgers, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026

The Grand Haven Musical Fountain lights up the night with free shows every evening from Memorial Day through Labor Day. — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026

Aside from Cyber Week, other peak discount times include Easter weekend and Memorial Day. — Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026

My father attended the Queens Memorial Day parade, while my mother, a lifelong writer, wrote promotional copy for their synagogue’s dinner to honor their longtime cantor’s retirement. — Rachel Sales, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 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.