anniversary

noun

an·​ni·​ver·​sa·​ry ˌa-nə-ˈvərs-rē 

-ˈvər-sə-

plural anniversaries

1

: the annual recurrence of a date marking a notable event

a wedding anniversary

broadly : a date that follows such an event by a specified period of time measured in units other than years

the 6-month anniversary of the accident

2

: the celebration of an anniversary

Examples of anniversary in a Sentence

the anniversary of the invasion

The exhibit will close on the 100th anniversary of the artist's death.

Recent Examples on the Web

The best and worst moments from the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary special During the sketch, also featuring Cecily Strong, Kenan Thompson, and episode host Woody Harrelson, a woman approaches and begins to grab Bryant's blazer as the comedian shakes her head and tries to stifle laughter. —Jillian Sederholm, EW.com, 22 Feb. 2025

Buffett wrote wistfully about 2025 marking the 60-year anniversary of his taking the reins of Berkshire, which was invested in a failing textile business at the time. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 22 Feb. 2025

This month marks the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the original objective of which is not fully known outside of Putin’s circle of confidantes. —Michael Szalma, Orlando Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2025

Sounds like sketches and performances weren’t the only things going viral at Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary special. —Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English anniversarie, from Medieval Latin anniversarium, from Latin, neuter of anniversarius returning annually, from annus year + versus, past participle of vertere to turn — more at annual, worth

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for anniversary

• bursary
• cursory
• nursery

Kids Definition

anniversary

noun

an·​ni·​ver·​sa·​ry ˌan-ə-ˈvərs-(ə-)rē 

plural anniversaries

1

a

: the annual return of the date of a special event

b

: a date that follows such an event by a specified period of time

the 6-month anniversary of the accident

2

: the celebration of an anniversary

Etymology

Middle English anniversarie "anniversary," from Latin anniversarium (same meaning), literally "turning of the year," from annus "year" and versus "turned," from vertere "to turn" — related to converse, universe, versatile