commemorate

American  

[kuh-mem-uh-reyt] / kəˈmɛm əˌreɪt /

verb (used with object)

commemorated, commemorating

1. to serve as a memorial or reminder of.

   The monument commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

2. to honor the memory of by some observance.

   to commemorate the dead by a moment of silence; to commemorate Bastille Day.

3. to make honorable mention of.

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commemorate British  

/ kəˈmɛməˌreɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to honour or keep alive the memory of

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Other Word Forms

• commemorable adjective
• commemorative adjective
• commemoratively adverb
• commemorator noun
• uncommemorated adjective

Etymology

Origin of commemorate

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin commemorātus “recalled,” past participle of commemorāre “to recall, put on record,” from com- com- + memor “mindful” + -āre, infinitive verb suffix

Example Sentences

“The decision about how to commemorate the movement and its participants rests with the local communities who organize those recognitions, events and commemorations. That has always been the case,” the foundation’s statement said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2026

“You’re already on the bridge, you’re already part of the art—why would you tie trash to commemorate it?”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

The tribute was built by fans of the series to commemorate queer character Ianto Jones 17 years ago, near where the series was filmed in Mermaid Quay, Cardiff.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

Pratt, a Republican, first revealed his mayoral ambitions during an event called “They Let Us Burn!” that was held in L.A. in early January to commemorate the first anniversary of the wildfires.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 3, 2026

“She takes a picture to commemorate every day,” JoJo said.

From "Adrift" by Paul Griffin

Related Words

• celebrate
• memorialize
• observe
• remember
• salute