commemorative

adjective

com·​mem·​o·​ra·​tive kə-ˈmem-rə-tiv 

-ˈme-mə-;

-ˈme-mə-ˌrā-tiv

: intended as a commemoration

especially : issued in limited quantities for a limited time to honor or feature someone or something

a commemorative stamp

commemorative noun

commemoratively adverb

Synonyms of commemorative

• commemorating
• memorial

Examples of commemorative in a Sentence

commemorative stamps for the stars of American popular music

Recent Examples on the Web

Kempner, who has screened her film for Black and Jewish audiences, thinks the current commemorative efforts are long overdue. —Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026

The Angels will wear a commemorative patch for the remainder of the homestand. —Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026

In anticipation for the nationwide celebration, at least 10 states have released commemorative license plates for America's 250th anniversary. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2026

Massachusetts is seeing record-breaking demand for its commemorative America 250 license plates, with tens of thousands of drivers applying ahead of a key lottery deadline for low-number plates tied to the nation’s semiquincentennial. —Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 17 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

commemorative

adjective

com·​mem·​o·​ra·​tive kə-ˈmem-ə-rət-iv 

-ˌrāt-

: intended to commemorate a person, thing, or event

a commemorative postage stamp

commemorative noun