commemorative

[kuh-mem-uh-rey-tiv, -er-uh-tiv]

adjective

1. serving to commemorate.

   a commemorative monument; a commemorative dinner.

2. (of a coin, medal, or postage stamp) issued to commemorate a historical event, to honor the memory of a personage, etc.

noun

1. anything that commemorates.

Other Word Forms

• commemoratively adverb
• commemorativeness noun
• noncommemorative adjective
• noncommemoratively adverb
• uncommemorative adjective
• uncommemoratively adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of commemorative¹

First recorded in 1605–15; commemorat(ion) + -ive

Example Sentences

Now, marking 50 years both in the trade and of “Monkey Wrench,” Sanders has released a $300 deluxe commemorative box set.

From Los Angeles Times

Code § 5112, living individuals are prohibited from appearing on U.S. coins or currency, including commemoratives tied to national milestones.

From Salon

On Sunday, Blanco shared his own commemorative post on Instagram with a caption that read: “i married a real life disney princess.”

From Los Angeles Times

The commemorative coin will be available in both silver and gold.

From BBC

He had been given honorary doctorate on his appointment as chancellor, and a commemorative medal at the end of his tenure.

From BBC

Related Words

• celebratory