# commemorative

/kəˈmɛmɝˌeɪtɪv/ (US) · /kəmˈɛmɹətˌɪv/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/commemorative
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. serving to remember

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

made or done to honour a person or event from the past.

For teachers: serving to preserve the memory of a person, event, or anniversary.

- The city issued a commemorative coin to celebrate its 200th anniversary.
- The university held a commemorative service to honour the professors who had dedicated their lives to scientific research.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun it describes.

### 2. a memorial object

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

an object, like a coin or a stamp, created to mark a special event.

For teachers: an object, such as a medal, plate, or stamp, produced specifically to mark a significant occasion.

- Collectors often pay high prices for rare commemoratives from the royal wedding.
- The museum's latest acquisition is a rare silver commemorative issued after the peace treaty was signed.

Usage: Commonly used by collectors of coins, stamps, or historical memorabilia.

### 3. postage stamp

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a special postage stamp issued to honour a person or event.

For teachers: a postage stamp issued for a limited time to mark a specific anniversary or theme.

- I bought a sheet of commemoratives featuring famous local authors.
- Philatelists often distinguish between definitive issues and commemoratives, which are printed in smaller quantities for specific events.

Usage: Specific to the field of philately (stamp collecting).

## Examples

- The post office released a new commemorative stamp today.
- The city council decided to install a commemorative plaque at the site of the old library to honor its historical significance.
- The museum's latest exhibition features a collection of commemorative medals struck during the late nineteenth century to celebrate various industrial achievements.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.