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

There are, of course, the obligatory commemorative touches. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 18 Dec. 2025

The nonprofit published a new commemorative edition of Pride and Prejudice, to which Knight and other relatives contributed, with all proceeds going toward the foundation. —Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 16 Dec. 2025

Preservationists also saved the commemorative cornerstone and the bronze plaque from the East Wing's 1942 renovation, two fanlight windows and the Kennedy Garden arbor. —Arden Farhi, CBS News, 15 Dec. 2025

Many of a certain age will have fond memories of these books (the commemorative tin box comes with books 1-6). —Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Dec. 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