commemorative
Americanadjective
-
serving to commemorate.
a commemorative monument; a commemorative dinner.
-
(of a coin, medal, or postage stamp) issued to commemorate a historical event, to honor the memory of a personage, etc.
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of commemorative
First recorded in 1605–15; commemorat(ion) + -ive
Explanation
Anything that acts as a memorial to something or someone is commemorative — whether it's an action like a charity walk or an object like a war memorial. Certain commemorative objects are known simply as commemoratives. Think, for example, of the Elvis Presley commemorative stamps your Dad keeps in his sock drawer (he was young once), or the commemorative coins minted for such events as the inauguration of a new President or the moon landing. See late night TV in particular for "special commemorative offers."
Vocabulary lists containing commemorative
My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich
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Hope Springs
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The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora
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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.
Don Colossus stands proud atop a stone pedestal, keeping vigil over a small commemorative plaque.
From Slate • Jun. 2, 2026
The US will also release a limited number of commemorative passports that feature a portrait of Trump.
From BBC • May 30, 2026
Mint has approved a limited-production commemorative 24-karat gold coin with his likeness.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026
They also visited the nearby Battle of Britain Bunker, where they laid a commemorative wreath.
From BBC • May 27, 2026
Luckily, the welcoming committee of Swanburne girls was prepared for all the happy tears being shed, and handed each arriving visitor the gift of a commemorative handkerchief.
From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood
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.
