commemoration

[ kuh-mem-uh-rey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of commemorating.
2. a service, celebration, etc., in memory of some person or event.
3. a memorial.
4. (in many Christian churches) a special service or prayer for commemorating the lesser feast on days on which two feasts of unequal rank are celebrated.

Other Words From

• com·memo·ration·al adjective
• noncom·memo·ration noun
• noncom·memo·ration·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of commemoration¹

1350–1400; Middle English (< Middle French ) < Latin commemorātiōn- (stem of commemorātiō ), equivalent to commemorāt ( us ) ( commemorate ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

Asked about the banner, O'Neill said it was "difficult" to hear criticism about her decision to attend the commemoration but she was "committed to being a first minister for all".

From BBC

Asked about the poster, O'Neill said it was "difficult" to hear criticism about her decision to attend the commemoration but she had a role to play.

From BBC

However, she declined to be drawn on why she did not attend the wider Somme commemoration event at the same venue that year.

From BBC

He did not attend the main ceremony that year, refusing to take part in what he called a "military commemoration" of the World War One battle.

From BBC

Westminster’s SNP leader Stephen Flynn appeared alongside the other leaders of the UK parties and every living former prime minister at London’s Cenotaph commemoration.

From BBC

Related Words

• celebration
• ceremony
• remembrance
• tribute