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

Mother’s Day sees 27.4% fewer deals than average, followed by Memorial Day at 28%; Juneteenth, 30%, and Fourth of July, 31.1%, per iSeeCars. —Ana Teresa Solá, CNBC, 10 Dec. 2024

It's also done during a national tragedy or on Memorial Day or another day of national remembrance. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 7 Dec. 2024

The Arizona state website outlines those days as: Memorial Day, when the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff. —Shelby Slade, The Arizona Republic, 7 Dec. 2024

Flags also fly at half-staff on Memorial Day and other national days of remembrance. —Cailey Gleeson, Journal Sentinel, 7 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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.