commemoration
Americannoun
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the act of commemorating.
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a service, celebration, etc., in memory of some person or event.
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a memorial.
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(in many Christian churches) a special service or prayer for commemorating the lesser feast on days on which two feasts of unequal rank are celebrated.
noun
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the act or an instance of commemorating
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a ceremony or service in memory of a person or event
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of commemoration
1350–1400; Middle English (< Middle French ) < Latin commemorātiōn- (stem of commemorātiō ), equivalent to commemorāt ( us ) ( see commemorate) + -iōn- -ion
Explanation
A commemoration is a ceremony that honors someone's memory. A commemoration can also honor an event, like a war. A commemoration is a celebration of someone or something, usually in the form of a ceremony. Commemorations are often held on the anniversary of someone's birth or death. For example, there have been many commemorations for Martin Luther King to honor his contributions to the civil rights movement. On the anniversary of 9/11, commemorations are held to honor the dead. This word is all about remembering and respecting.
Vocabulary lists containing commemoration
May Vocabulary Words
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Total Recall: Mem
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An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In her fondest hopes, the commemoration of Global Beatles Day presents an annual opportunity for recommitting ourselves to the band’s ideals, which McCartney sagely explained in the “Anthology” documentary series.
From Salon • Jun. 4, 2026
But there was no surprise appearance by Mojtaba at the commemoration, an event his father had attended every year since Khomeini's death in 1989.
From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026
The Skirball’s exhibit arrives as punk commemoration is in the air, with 50th anniversary celebrations and tie-ins happening across the country, including the Sex Pistols’ upcoming tour.
From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026
"To the glory of God In commemoration of Nana Asumbia of Akwamufie in the eastern region of Ghana and grandmother of Nana Kweedwua Santsewadze Twidan Royal Family."
From BBC • May 2, 2026
This national commemoration, three decades after his lifetime, pays tribute to his immeasurable contributions on behalf of one’s innate right to self-preservation and human dignity.
From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
