commemorative

adjective

com·​mem·​o·​ra·​tive kə-ˈmem-rə-tiv 

-ˈme-mə-;

-ˈme-mə-ˌrā-tiv

: intended as a commemoration

especially : issued in limited quantities for a limited time to honor or feature someone or something

a commemorative stamp

commemorative noun

commemoratively adverb

Synonyms

• commemorating
• honorary
• memorial
• memorializing

Examples of commemorative in a Sentence

commemorative stamps for the stars of American popular music

Recent Examples on the Web

Last week, Kluwe spoke out against a nod to the MAGA slogan popularized by President Donald Trump being featured on a commemorative plaque outside Huntington Beach Central Library. —George Ramsay and Amanda Jackson, CNN, 28 Feb. 2025

Online retailer ClickBank disabled the sales, stating the products were meant for commemorative purposes only but had been deceptively marketed elsewhere. —Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025

In a commemorative edition of his book Five Days in November — his firsthand account of the assassination, co-written with his wife — Hill countered conspiracy theories that have long surrounding the assassination. —Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 24 Feb. 2025

In the spirit of sustainability, bring a light-colored shirt, long sleeve, or sweatshirt and receive a special commemorative print. —Gqlshare, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

commemorative

adjective

com·​mem·​o·​ra·​tive kə-ˈmem-ə-rət-iv 

-ˌrāt-

: intended to commemorate a person, thing, or event

a commemorative postage stamp

commemorative noun