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
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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Hope Springs
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
He began with Kenyan utilitarian objects and commemorative sculptures before expanding into whatever captured his attention.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 22, 2026
The artwork, titled "2,977 Lights Over New York Harbor", is a commemorative public art installation in collaboration with artists, producers, and members of the 9/11 community, including victims' families, survivors, and first responders.
From BBC ● Sep. 10, 2026
But it will still place the 80-year-old native New Yorker away from the main focus of the day's commemorative events.
From Barron's ● Sep. 8, 2026
Woodall still works at the Economist as the Asian editor, but the commemorative article published in the August issue was penned by Simon Cox.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 31, 2026
She cleared her throat and dabbed her lips with her 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.
