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 start of Black History Month and Pride Month will no longer be recognized by Google Calendar, and now users will have to manually add observed commemorative months and public holidays themselves, the tech company said. —Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2025

As one of the world’s oldest watchmakers, Vacheron Constantin has a long tradition of marking anniversaries with commemorative watches. —Nazanin Lankarani, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2025

The commemorative event was initiated by Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt and his wife Tavia, complete with a red carpet and the Lombardi Trophy on display. —Skyler Caruso, People.com, 10 Feb. 2025

Inside, partygoers like Nicole Richie, Lila Moss, and Precious Lee could check out the new shades IRL and get a first look at another commemorative launch—Make Me Blush Bold Blush Powder, available in baby pinks, plums, berries, and peaches equally as yummy as the gloss sticks. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 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