v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Commemorated; p. pr. & vb. n. Commemorating. ] [ L. commemoratus, p. p. of commemorare to remember; com- + memorare to mention, fr. memor mindful. See Memory. ] To call to remembrance by a special act or observance; to celebrate with honor and solemnity; to honor, as a person or event, by some act of respect or affection, intended to preserve the remembrance of the person or event; as, to commemorate the sufferings and dying love of our Savior by the sacrament of the Lord's Supper; to commemorate the Declaration of Independence by the observance of the Fourth of July. [ 1913 Webster ]

We are called upon to commemorate a revolution. Atterbury.

Syn. -- See Celebrate. [ 1913 Webster ]

adj. of or pertaining to a commemoration; serving to commemorate.
Syn. -- commemorative. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. [ L. commemoratio. ] 1. The act of commemorating; an observance or celebration designed to honor the memory of some person or event. [ 1913 Webster ]

This sacrament was designed to be a standing commemoration of the death and passion of our Lord. Abp. Tillotson. [ 1913 Webster ]

The commonwealth which . . . chooses the most flagrant act of murderous regicide treason for a feast of eternal commemoration. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Whatever serves the purpose of commemorating; a memorial. [ 1913 Webster ]

Commemoration day, at the University of Oxford, Eng., an annual observance or ceremony in honor of the benefactors of the University, at which time honorary degrees are conferred. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Tending or intended to commemorate; as, a commemorative plaque. “A sacrifice commemorative of Christ's offering up his body for us.” Hammond. [ 1913 Webster ]

An inscription commemorative of his victory. Sir G. C. Lewis. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. something that commemorates, especially a postage stamp or coin having a design commemorating some event, person, institution, etc. [ PJC ]

n. [ L. ] One who commemorates. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Serving to commemorate; commemorative. Bp. Hooper. [ 1913 Webster ]