commemoration

American

[kuh-mem-uh-rey-shuhn] / kəˌmɛm əˈreɪ ʃən /

noun

the act of commemorating.
a service, celebration, etc., in memory of some person or event.
a memorial.
(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.

Other Word Forms

commemorational adjective
noncommemoration noun
noncommemorational adjective

Etymology

Origin of commemoration

1350–1400; Middle English (< Middle French ) < Latin commemorātiōn- (stem of commemorātiō ), equivalent to commemorāt ( us ) ( commemorate ) + -iōn- -ion

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.

Following the Addington Primary School protests and ahead of the Battle of Isandlwana commemoration, royal envoys hinted that King Misuzulu would address these concerns.

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2026

Perhaps it’s apt that it’s showing at Lincoln Center on Martin Luther King Jr. Day—a time for commemoration and renewed commitment in the face of evil.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 2026

At a massive commemoration marking the anniversary of the Eaton fire this week, local religious leaders read the names of the 19 people who died in the blaze.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 10, 2026

Its publication coincides with the 50th anniversary of Franco's death on November 20, 1975 and the commemoration of Juan Carlos's proclamation as king two days later.

From Barron's • Nov. 8, 2025

When caught, these crabs are not eaten, but are returned to the sea in commemoration of the doleful events at Danno-ura.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023