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

That only intensified the fears of Amsterdam's Jewish community, although local imams and other members of the Muslim community took part in the commemorations.

From BBC

For many, it was especially shocking coming on the eve of commemorations marking Kristallnacht, the 1938 Nazi pogroms against German Jews.

From BBC

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

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