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

But also, until Labor Day, the tea chain is serving a limited-time Blue Razzler Energy Refresher topped with vanilla cold foam and red, white, and blue sprinkles in a commemorative America’s 250th cup. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 June 2026

Cunningham also ripped the league’s promotion of Clark, criticizing the WNBA for leaving Clark off a commemorative league graphic while including Cunningham herself. — Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026

The club’s deputy chairman Karimov describes how players at all levels of the club are involved in annual commemorative events. — Colin Millar, New York Times, 27 June 2026

The bundles include a commemorative can and a 10-pack of Mountain Dew mini cans. — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 26 June 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