commemorate

[ kuh-mem-uh-reyt ]

verb (used with object)

, com·mem·o·rat·ed, com·mem·o·rat·ing.

1. to serve as a memorial or reminder of:

   The monument commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

2. to honor the memory of by some observance:

   to commemorate the dead by a moment of silence; to commemorate Bastille Day.

3. to make honorable mention of.

commemorate

/ kəˈmɛməˌreɪt /

verb

1. tr to honour or keep alive the memory of

Derived Forms

• comˈmemoˌrator, noun
• comˈmemoratively, adverb
• comˈmemorative, adjective

Other Words From

• com·memo·ra·ble adjective
• com·memo·rator noun
• uncom·memo·rated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of commemorate¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin commemorātus “recalled,” past participle of commemorāre “to recall, put on record,” from com- com- + memor “mindful” + -āre, infinitive verb suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of commemorate¹

C16: from Latin commemorāre be mindful of, from com- (intensive) + memorāre to remind, from memor mindful

Example Sentences

In 1964, the plaque commemorating their stay was placed on the wall by Lincoln’s bust, recalling the early instance when troops were quartered there.

From Washington Post

The sideline consultation between Pederson and Foles for that famed play-call was commemorated with a statue outside Lincoln Financial Field.

From Washington Post

The city strung a 6-foot-high, 21-foot-long banner across three columns of City Hall commemorating the division title, and fans have driven from miles away just to snap a picture in front of it.

From Washington Post

This time last year we were commemorating the end of a decade and looking ahead to the next one.

From Singularity Hub 

National Park Week first started in 1991 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the NPS.

From Outside Online

At one point, Turness suggested that Gregory have a live band close out the show to commemorate the death of Nelson Mandela.

From The Daily Beast

So, to commemorate her 75th birthday, the two got matching butterfly tattoos on their wrists.

From The Daily Beast

Instead, the Giglese will commemorate the shipwreck with a prayer service on Jan. 13 every year, and nothing more.

From The Daily Beast

Nearly 10,000 people, most of them freedmen, gathered in the freshly landscaped burial ground to commemorate the dead.

From The Daily Beast

Now, the date is used to commemorate those who have died in all conflicts.

From The Daily Beast

It is not likely that the inhabitants of Ivrea, who thus commemorate her heroic deed, will ever forget their Mugnaia.

From Project Gutenberg

It is 421 proposed to commemorate the incident by the erection of a suitable pile.

From Project Gutenberg

I remember the leading Dissenters came to Bungay with a piece of plate, to present to Mr. Childs, to commemorate his heroism.

From Project Gutenberg

First, though, I'd like to present you a decoration to commemorate your part in this skirmish, Wes.

From Project Gutenberg

With what grander monument could one commemorate his little span on earth?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• celebrate
• memorialize
• observe
• remember
• salute