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

Each will come with a commemorative stamp of each branch's facade. —Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026

Newsstands stocked special issues dedicated to him, and the mint rolled out a commemorative coin. —Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2026

Supporters of the project can also purchase commemorative bricks and Phoenix Wheel beer to help finish paying for the installation. —Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026

Earlier this month, the president’s handpicked Commission of Fine Arts approved a large commemorative gold coin bearing his image. —Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 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