commemoration

noun

com·​mem·​o·​ra·​tion kə-ˌme-mə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce commemoration (audio)
1
: the act of commemorating
2
: something that commemorates

Examples of commemoration in a Sentence

Several well-known celebrities attended the commemoration.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Be sure to seek out the Hector Pieterson Memorial, an important commemoration of the role students played protesting for equal rights. — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Aug. 2026 The commemoration will continue at the artist’s favorite bar, Fatima. — Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 26 Aug. 2026 The production did not comment on whether there will be a special commemoration for Parton or plans beyond the initial statement. — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026 At Victoria Park, where tens of thousands once gathered for the only large-scale public commemoration of the massacre in China, Tang bowed on the eve of the anniversary and read off a list of the victims in a low voice. — Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for commemoration

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of commemoration was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing commemoration

Rhymes for commemoration

See All Rhymes for commemoration

Browse Nearby Words

commemorate
commemoration
commemorative
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Cite this Entry

“Commemoration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commemoration. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

commemoration

noun
com·​mem·​o·​ra·​tion kə-ˌmem-ə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce commemoration (audio)
1
: the act of commemorating
2
: a ceremony that commemorates
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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