Galentine's Day

noun

Gal·​en·​tine's Day ˈga-lən-ˌtīnz- How to pronounce Galentine's Day (audio)
variants or less commonly Galentine's or Galentines
: a holiday observed on February 13th as a time to celebrate friendships especially among women
Sandra Lee loves a good party, and Galentine's Day is no different. The Emmy winning celebrity chef and bestselling author has been known to throw a bash for the female friendship celebration, which started as a fictional holiday on Parks and Recreation but has had a lasting effect over the years.Dave Quinn
Many have accepted the holiday as a day to hang out with best friends—regardless of gender. A Galentine's Day celebration can include all genders and all of those that you adore … as long as they enjoy a tasty brunch!Stephanie Weaver
[Jennifer] Walski says she loves her husband and they dutifully book dinner dates on Valentine's, "but, honestly, I have much more fun doing Galentine's."Aisha Sultan
From candle making workshops to painting parties, Metro Detroit has a host of Galentines options this weekend and early next week to celebrate female friendship.Maureen Feighan

Word History

Etymology

blend of gal entry 1 and Valentine's Day

Note: The coinage was apparently introduced on an episode of the television comedy series Parks and Recreation. The episode, entitled "Galentine's Day" and written by the show's co-creator Michael Schur, first aired on February 11, 2010.

First Known Use

2010, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Galentine's Day was in 2010

Dictionary Entries Near Galentine's Day

Cite this Entry

“Galentine's Day.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Galentine%27s%20Day. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!