Memorial Day

noun

1

: May 30 formerly observed as a legal holiday in most states of the U.S. in remembrance of war dead

2

: the last Monday in May observed as a legal holiday in most states of the U.S.

3

: confederate memorial day

Examples of Memorial Day in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Loews Arlington Hotel, for example, is partnering with the Arlington Museum of Art to host complimentary kids' art classes every other Saturday from Memorial Day through Labor Day. — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 14 July 2026

In Chicago, officers made 53 arrests at a Memorial Day weekend gathering. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026

In Chicago, two violent takeovers took place on successive days over Memorial Day weekend, with crowds of teenagers battling the police; more than 50 people were arrested. — Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026

Rescues during holidays have declined in recent years, owing to the prohibition of alcohol on Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July, along with the banning of diving along the Clay Banks, Nunez said. — Reeti Malhotra july 10, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for Memorial Day

• andromache
• bioassay
• cabriolet
• cercariae
• communique
• companionway
• compositae
• decussate
• examinee
• fabaceae
• glyphosate
• gramineae

Kids Definition

Memorial Day

noun

1

: May 30 once observed as a legal holiday in honor of those who died in war

2

: the last Monday in May observed as a legal holiday in most states of the U.S.