Christmas

noun

Christ·​mas ˈkri-sməs How to pronounce Christmas (audio)
often attributive
1
: a Christian feast on December 25 or among some Eastern Orthodox Christians on January 7 that commemorates the birth of Christ and is usually observed as a legal holiday
2
Christmassy adjective
or Christmasy

Examples of Christmas in a Sentence

We're spending Christmas with my parents. We had a very happy Christmas this year. I wish you all a merry Christmas.
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.
The family posed for Christmas photos in matching red formal wear and themed elf onesies in 2023, when Alcala was pregnant with Alianna. Nasha Smith, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025 Maloney made movies including 1981's Under the Rainbow, a comedic take on The Wizard of Oz, with Carrie Fisher and Chevy Chase, as well as Ernest Saves Christmas (1988) and The Addams Family (1991). Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 3 Apr. 2025 Back in December, Cardi also accused Offset of not buying their children Christmas gifts in 2024. Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 2 Apr. 2025 Julia's creamed carrots are easy enough to make for a weeknight side dish but fancy enough for a special occasion like Easter dinner or Christmas. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Christmas

Word History

Etymology

Middle English Christemasse, from Old English Cristes mæsse, literally, Christ's mass

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Christmas was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Christmas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Christmas. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

Christmas

noun
Christ·​mas ˈkris-məs How to pronounce Christmas (audio)
1
: December 25 celebrated in honor of the birth of Christ
2

More from Merriam-Webster on Christmas

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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