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

• commemorating
• memorial

Examples of commemorative in a Sentence

commemorative stamps for the stars of American popular music

Recent Examples on the Web

The first riders on the inaugural train ride will receive a commemorative first-ride button, a cookie from the dining car and a picture of them inside their train car before departure. —Angelika Ytuarte, jsonline.com, 11 Sep. 2025

The King tale envisions an America run by a dictator, where every year the country throws a commemorative contest. —Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Sep. 2025

Around the same time, William and Kate attended a commemorative event for the late sovereign less than 10 miles away in Sunningdale. —Max Foster, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025

Vibee packages include a concert ticket and 2-night stay at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas – the only resort connected to Sphere – with guests receiving priority entry to the venue, commemorative keepsakes, and more. —Jem Aswad, Variety, 8 Sep. 2025

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