Memorial Day

noun

1
: May 30 formerly observed as a legal holiday in most states of the U.S. in remembrance of war dead
2
: the last Monday in May observed as a legal holiday in most states of the U.S.
3

Examples of Memorial Day in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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South Haven officials maintain the city is working on a plan to add 19 lifeguards to its two beaches by Memorial Day weekend 2026, estimated to cost $619,000 the first year and $383,000 the second year. Tresa Baldas, Freep.com, 21 July 2025 People walk by the Burberry store on East 57th Street during Memorial Day weekend on May 25, 2025 in New York City. Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 18 July 2025 On Memorial Day, the kids put it through the paces. Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2025 When author Bonnie Tsui and I meet just after Memorial Day on the barrier Assateague Island in Maryland to go surfing, the day is improbably perfect. Mickie Meinhardt july 16, Literary Hub, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for Memorial Day

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Memorial Day was in 1868

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Cite this Entry

“Memorial Day.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Memorial%20Day. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

Memorial Day

noun
1
: May 30 once observed as a legal holiday in honor of those who died in war
2
: the last Monday in May observed as a legal holiday in most states of the U.S.

More from Merriam-Webster on Memorial Day

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