anniversary

noun

an·​ni·​ver·​sa·​ry ˌa-nə-ˈvərs-rē How to pronounce anniversary (audio)
-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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Speaking at a Memorial Day event in New Castle, Delaware, Biden addressed the crowd with a steady voice, reflecting on the 10th anniversary of Beau Biden's death. Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025 Supported by Clermont Auvergne Métropole, the governing body of Clermont Ferrand city and environs, and to be built by MU Architecture, the City is scheduled to open first half 2029, when the festival celebrates its 50th anniversary. John Hopewell, Variety, 30 May 2025 McNulty also checks in with L.A. Theatre Works, which celebrated its 50th anniversary and has found fresh opportunities for its radio plays through the rise of podcasts and on-demand streaming. Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025 With a slew of exciting hotel openings and the 70th anniversary of the prestigious Athens Epidaurus Festival, the Greek capital is coming into its own as a year-round destination. Helen Iatrou, AFAR Media, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for anniversary

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of anniversary was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Anniversary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anniversary. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

anniversary

noun
an·​ni·​ver·​sa·​ry ˌan-ə-ˈvərs-(ə-)rē How to pronounce anniversary (audio)
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

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