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

Czapek & Cie Antarctique Tourbillon Czapek is honoring its 10th anniversary with the Antarctique Tourbillon powered by the watch brand’s in-house Caliber 9 with a flying tourbillon regulator. —Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025

Originally introduced in 1955, the GMT-Master series marks its 70th anniversary in 2025, creating a prime opportunity for Rolex to celebrate with a special edition. —Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2025

There are more than displays of collector cars from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s at the venue, which is marking its 65th anniversary this year. —Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025

This year, the show approaches its 10th anniversary, ending the Neptunian cycle that began when the show first aired. —Lisa Stardust, People.com, 31 Mar. 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