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

Called The Roger Centre Court shoe, the commemorative edition draws inspiration from a selection of outfits previously worn by Federer at Wimbledon — one of which is now displayed at the International Tennis Hall of Fame. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026

The group voted to disband soon after, and two commemorative statues and one relief were removed at university campuses in late 2021. — Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Rather than addressing the deeply damaging psychological impact that an armed law enforcement presence has on Black families trying to heal in nature, the administration offered standard procedural explanations and a commemorative coin. — Kimmie Gordon, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026

On the Monday after a winning race, Wolff will convene a town-hall meeting where everyone gets a commemorative T-shirt and a glass of champagne. — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 21 Aug. 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