Commonwealth Day

American  

noun

1. a holiday observed in some countries of the Commonwealth of Nations, originally on May 24, the anniversary of Queen Victoria's birth, but now on varying dates.

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Commonwealth Day British  

noun

1. Former name: Empire Day.  the anniversary of Queen Victoria's birth, May 24, celebrated (now on the second Monday in March) as a holiday in many parts of the Commonwealth

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Etymology

Origin of Commonwealth Day

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

King Charles has said the Commonwealth can be a force for unity in a "fragmented world" in a message at the annual Commonwealth Day service in London.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

Of all the tunes you would expect to hear at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey, a Bollywood song isn't on the list.

From BBC • Dec. 30, 2025

In recent weeks the King has been on a trip to Northern Ireland and also attended the Commonwealth Day service, which he missed last year after his diagnosis.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2025

King Charles III and Catherine, Princess of Wales have attended the annual Commonwealth Day service, a year after both were forced to cancel because they were receiving cancer treatment.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2025

Commonwealth Day is traditionally marked with a service at Westminster Abbey and this year the King and Queen will attend alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales.

From BBC • Mar. 8, 2025