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 of commemorative

• commemorating
• memorial

Examples of commemorative in a Sentence

commemorative stamps for the stars of American popular music

Recent Examples on the Web

Next to the dog, a faded print of Big Ben, and a commemorative plate with the late Queen Elizabeth II smiling from nine different decades. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2026

Barbie commemorative stamps will be released July 11, the last day of the 2026 National Barbie Doll Collectors Convention in Austin. —Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 1 May 2026

On Wednesday, Ann-Margret got a rare award the day after her 85th birthday as she was presented with the commemorative USO Challenge Coin in honor of her years of service to American service members. —Pete Hammond, Deadline, 30 Apr. 2026

Award recipients received a commemorative pin, a certificate of recognition and $250. —Sharon Hlapcich, Oc Register, 30 Apr. 2026

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