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

In 1926, the nation’s 150th anniversary, then-President Calvin Coolidge appeared on a commemorative half-dollar coin that was official legal tender. —Bill Barrow, Fortune, 29 May 2026

Last month, the State Department announced commemorative limited edition passports that would feature the same portrait and signature. —Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 29 May 2026

The first 150 participants will also receive a commemorative patch, according to the district. —Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026

But commemorative coins are exempt from the prohibition. —Joey Garrison, USA Today, 28 May 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