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

Examples of Memorial Day in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Horseback riding is a popular choice, and visitors can go on rides on weekends in May, September, and October, and daily from Memorial Day Weekend until Labor Day. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025 Sam's Club will also be expanding its holiday hours for Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day and New Year's Eve, USA TODAY reported. Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 10 Oct. 2025 Memorial Day started as the specifically Unionist Decoration Day. Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 5 Oct. 2025 Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day. Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Memorial Day

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Memorial Day was in 1868

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Cite this Entry

“Memorial Day.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Memorial%20Day. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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.

More from Merriam-Webster on Memorial Day

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