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

Harvey wrote an extensive essay about styling Diana for the magazine’s commemorative October 1997 issue. —Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 9 Apr. 2026

Fans will also get a commemorative rally towel and light stick at their seats. —Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026

The first 100 customers received a signature opening-day commemorative pin marking the bakery’s grand opening. —Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 3 Apr. 2026

The now-mythical cast of characters includes Proust, Coco Chanel, who made the hotel her primary home for 30 years and has a suite named in her honor, and Ernest Hemingway, who inspired not only one of the world’s most recognizable cocktail bars but a commemorative suite, too. —Lindsey Tramuta, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 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