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

Alana wanted to use her birthday as a commemorative day, honoring Anna with a dove release ceremony. —Dory Jackson, People.com, 28 June 2025

This year, the former president participated in a commemorative event in Galveston, Texas. —Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 19 June 2025

The towers remained, standing guard over a boom and bust commemorative plaque on a sidewalk at 17th and California streets. —Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 29 May 2025

The Army's plans for a low-key birthday celebration of festivals, fun runs and a commemorative stamp have now been dramatically expanded to include what the White House might call a big, beautiful parade. —Susan Page, USA Today, 11 June 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