Decoration Day

noun

: memorial day

Examples of Decoration Day in a Sentence

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In 1875 a cemetery, where today an annual Decoration Day commemoration (the original name for Memorial Day) is held on the first Sunday of May, was established. — Arkansas Online, 30 May 2026 Memorial Day, also known as Decoration Day, took place on May 30 that year. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 26 May 2026 By the end of the 19th century, Decoration Day ceremonies were being held on May 30 throughout the nation. — Daily News, 25 May 2026 The federal holiday was originally called Decoration Day and was first celebrated in 1868 to honor the Civil War veterans and those who died in those battles. — Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 25 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for Decoration Day

Word History

Etymology

from the custom of decorating graves on this day

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Decoration Day was in 1871

Rhymes for Decoration Day

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Browse Nearby Words

decoration
Decoration Day
decorative
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Cite this Entry

“Decoration Day.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Decoration%20Day. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Decoration Day

noun
: memorial day

More from Merriam-Webster on Decoration Day

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Decoration Day

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