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

The sale of commemorative buttons help cover some costs, in addition to parade fees. —Molly Guthrey, Twin Cities, 13 Mar. 2025

And, yet, no tangible commemorative nod to the past at Kaseya Center, save for the banner honoring the decades of service of initial franchise trainer Ron Culp. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2025

Trump has also put his face on commemorative coins, valued at around $30 but sold for $100, Forbes reports. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025

Last week, Kluwe spoke out against a nod to the MAGA slogan popularized by President Donald Trump being featured on a commemorative plaque outside Huntington Beach Central Library. —George Ramsay and Amanda Jackson, CNN, 28 Feb. 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