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

Pirates to host five t-shirt giveaway nights Once again, the Pirates will be giving away commemorative t-shirts, and that will happen during five games. —Patrick Damp, CBS News, 12 Dec. 2025

Many of a certain age will have fond memories of these books (the commemorative tin box comes with books 1-6). —Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Dec. 2025

The days chosen are usually a combination of federal holidays, public lands observances, and commemorative days. —Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025

The event featured remarks from Department of Energy, the Department of War’s Strategic Capabilities Office and BWXT leaders, along with a ceremonial signing of a commemorative photograph. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 Dec. 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