Memorial Day

[ muh-mawr-ee-uhl dey ]

noun

1. a day set aside in the U.S. to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military: now officially observed on the last Monday in May.
2. any of several days, as April 26, May 10, or June 3, similarly observed in various Southern states.

Memorial Day

noun

1. a holiday in the United States, May 30th in most states, commemorating the servicemen killed in all American wars

Word History and Origins

Origin of Memorial Day¹

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Example Sentences

Sawusch died alone in his home that Memorial Day weekend.

From Los Angeles Times

While Memorial Day honors those who have died in our foreign wars, Veterans Day honors the service of all those who have served this country in uniform.

From Salon

If you don’t meet the income threshold, there is a Limited Use Golden Bear pass that costs $20 and is only active during the offseason between Labor Day and the Friday before Memorial Day, but it beats the $195 annual pass younger Angelenos have to shell out.

From Los Angeles Times

Like every merchant in Lake George, Massry works like a dog from Memorial Day to Labor Day, making his entire nut for the year in that three-month stretch.

From Slate

It also runs youth programs and an Israeli-Palestinian Memorial Day every spring, which the organization says is the largest such jointly organized peace event in Israel.

From Salon