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 linebacker jogged onto the field while holding a flower and a commemorative football. —Arkansas Online, 28 Nov. 2025

The league also said there will be special end zone insignia, along with commemorative coins for the referees throughout the playoffs, including Super Bowl LX in the Bay Area. —Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 26 Nov. 2025

In a video shared on X, Kenzel was seen jogging out onto the football field while holding his commemorative football. —Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 23 Nov. 2025

By the end of the day, the Post was selling baby onesies and commemorative plates emblazoned with the cover. —David Bauder, Fortune, 19 Nov. 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