commemorative

[ kuh-mem-uh-rey-tiv, -er-uh-tiv ]

adjective

1. serving to commemorate:

   a commemorative monument; a commemorative dinner.

2. (of a coin, medal, or postage stamp) issued to commemorate a historical event, to honor the memory of a personage, etc.

noun

1. anything that commemorates.

Other Words From

• com·memo·rative·ly adverb
• com·memo·rative·ness noun
• noncom·memo·rative adjective
• noncom·memo·rative·ly adverb
• uncom·memo·rative adjective
• uncom·memo·rative·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of commemorative¹

First recorded in 1605–15; commemorat(ion) + -ive

Example Sentences

Justice Minister Naomi Long unveiled a commemorative ceramic Poppy Wreath at the the Northern Ireland Prison Service annual remembrance ceremony on Friday.

From BBC

Late last year, the Scottish government launched a national commemorative record called the Memorial Book of Pregnancy and Baby Loss.

From BBC

As the judges' scores were read out, Cyborg was declared the victor, before she was awarded a commemorative belt - the fifth title of her magnificent career.

From BBC

Last weekend Ms Hall visited the Netherlands with the charity for Wandeltocht, the world's largest one-day commemorative march in remembrance of the Battle of Arnhem.

From BBC

"Either back your staff or back a commemorative display for Prince Andrew. I know which side I would be on," he added.

From BBC

Related Words

• celebratory