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

On the roads around the stadium, street-sellers pedalled commemorative Arsenal scarves and hats. —James McNicholas, New York Times, 25 May 2026

And a new, commemorative bottling is likely to appeal to history buffs and modern drinkers of many stripes. —David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026

Each year, Dream Cruise organizers also unveil a new commemorative design for the event, something many attendees look forward to collecting. —Rachelle Graham, CBS News, 18 May 2026

Some may don only a hat, while others may invest in commemorative jewelry, home goods or other products. —Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 14 May 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