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

• commemorating
• honorary
• memorial
• memorializing

Examples of commemorative in a Sentence

commemorative stamps for the stars of American popular music

Recent Examples on the Web

That night, a local official and postal workers stamped some of the thousands of commemorative covers crammed into the Electra’s nose. —Laurie Gwen Shapiro, New Yorker, 2 June 2025

Gatwa reflected on his tenure as the Fifteenth Doctor in a commemorative video. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 31 May 2025

Both versions come with the F1 75 Celebration Pack, which includes a commemorative livery, suit, and gloves designed to honor the sport’s past and present World Champions. —Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025

This year's events offer an opportunity to connect with the VA's ongoing reforms while participating in commemorative traditions. —Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 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