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

The White House’s Freedom 250 UFC fight may be firmly in the rearview mirror, but fans can still get their hands on a commemorative coin priced at nearly $12,000. —Drew Pittock, USA Today, 16 June 2026

Besides the Arkansas diamond, New Mexican bolo tie, and Maine’s whale bone, many states contributed commemorative coins, letters from their state leaders, and poems. —Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 15 June 2026

Sacramento was the end of the Pony Express line for most of its history, and the ride will conclude at the commemorative Pony Express Statue on J and 2nd Street. —Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 15 June 2026

United’s planes were painted in Amarillo, Texas, and feature a commemorative plaque dedicated to service members and veterans who work for United. —Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 15 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