Etymology First attested in 1612; borrowed from New Latin commemorātīvus, from commemorō. By surface analysis, commemorate + -ive, cognate with French commémoratif.
1
Serving to commemorate something.
a commemorative plaque
The centenary of Britain's most famous train has called for a commemorative and descriptive work and in this 40-page illustrated booklet the author has tried—with some success, to pour a quart into a pint pot.1962 October, “New Reading on Railways: The Flying Scotsman 1862-1962. By C. Hamilton Ellis. Allen & Unwin. 6s.”, in Modern Railways, unnumbered page:
1 more example
The plaza in front of San Francisco's City Hall was the scene Nov. 27 of two separate ceremonies commemorative of the assassinations one year ago of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk.1979 December 8, “Services Honor Milk, Moscone”, in Gay Community News, volume 7, number 20, page 1:
Etymology First attested in 1612; borrowed from New Latin commemorātīvus, from commemorō. By surface analysis, commemorate + -ive, cognate with French commémoratif.
1
An object made to commemorate a person, mark an event, etc.
2
Hobbies, Lifestyle, Philately A postage stamp issued to commemorate, usually a person or event; also commonly applied to thematic (topical) stamp issues.
beautiful Pictorials, topicals, commemoratives, airmails. Introductory selection 40% discount. Ralph Rice, 15 Longlane, West Hartford 7, Conn.1956 December, “Classified Advertisements: Stamp collecting”, in Popular Mechanics, volume 106, number 6, page 57: