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

Annual Commemorative Hard Card Season Pass — $60 at gate / $62 online, with unlimited visits, commemorative card, Bring-a-Friend ticket, Texas Discovery Gardens admission and pre-purchase parking discount. — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 17 Aug. 2026

In 1981, he was recruited into a commemorative all-Navajo Marine platoon, composed largely of descendants and relatives of the original World War II Navajo Code Talkers. — Debra Utacia Krol, AZCentral.com, 14 Aug. 2026

Sure, the paint job looks fabulous, and the commemorative stickers and the special serial numbers might woo a select few, but there’s hardly much beyond that. — New Atlas, 13 Aug. 2026

Your ticket also comes with a commemorative souvenir glass plus access to a variety of new offerings, including a petting zoo, photo booth, games and more. — Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 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