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

First lady Melania Trump hosted a special ceremony this week announcing the latest commemorative stamp honoring the legacy of former first lady Barbara Bush. —Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2025

The artwork of the commemorative Forever stamp is based on detail from Bush’s official White House portrait during her husband’s time as president. —Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 9 May 2025

This week, after more than half a century, a bit of commemorative metal just may survive the empire that sent it aloft. —Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 7 May 2025

Matteo, who wore shorts and a commemorative ’86 Mets jersey, had taken off his shoes. —Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 5 May 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