commemorative

American

[kuh-mem-uh-rey-tiv, -er-uh-tiv] / kəˈmɛm əˌreɪ tɪv, -ər ə tɪv /

adjective

serving to commemorate.

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

noun

anything that commemorates.

Other Word Forms

commemoratively adverb
commemorativeness noun
noncommemorative adjective
noncommemoratively adverb
uncommemorative adjective
uncommemoratively adverb

Etymology

Origin of commemorative

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

And this year he will have a commemorative coin bearing his image, minted to mark America's 250th birthday.

From Barron's

The coin does not have a monetary value and its sale price has not been disclosed, but similar commemorative coins sold by the US Mint can cost more than $1,000.

From Barron's

The coin does not have a monetary value and its sale price has not been disclosed, but similar commemorative coins sold by the US Mint can cost over $1,000.

From Barron's

Multiple events to celebrate Cesar Chavez Day, a commemorative holiday that takes place on 31 March, have been cancelled or renamed.

From BBC

The revelations also put California school districts — already gearing up for annual commemorative recognitions of Chavez and his contributions — in a difficult position.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023