convivial

adjective

con·​viv·​ial kən-ˈviv-yəl 

-ˈvi-vē-əl

: relating to, occupied with, or fond of feasting, drinking, and good company

a convivial host

a convivial gathering

conviviality

kən-ˌvi-vē-ˈa-lə-tē 

noun

convivially

kən-ˈviv-yə-lē 

-ˈvi-vē-ə-lē

adverb

Did you know?

Convivial traces to "convivium," a Latin word meaning "banquet," and tends to suggest a mood of full-bellied joviality. Charles Dickens aptly captures that sense in his novel David Copperfield: "We had a beautiful little dinner. Quite an elegant dish of fish; the kidney-end of a loin of veal, roasted; fried sausage-meat; a partridge, and a pudding. There was wine, and there was strong ale.... Mr. Micawber was uncommonly convivial. I never saw him such good company. He made his face shine with the punch, so that it looked as if it had been varnished all over. He got cheerfully sentimental about the town, and proposed success to it."

Synonyms

• boon
• clubbable
• clubable
• clubby
• companionable
• extroverted
• extraverted
• gregarious
• outgoing
• sociable
• social

Examples of convivial in a Sentence

the hiking club attracts a wide range of convivial people who share a love of the outdoors

Recent Examples on the Web

Today it’s dotted with coffee shops and galleries, family-run groceries and chic restaurants, all anchored by a convivial atmosphere. —Sahar Khan, Travel + Leisure, 14 Dec. 2024

The authentic storytelling these players offer, linked to nature and evoking a simple, slow lifestyle, as well as their ability to create feel-good moments around convivial occasions without the razzmatazz often surrounding fashion events is what the designer appreciates most. —Sandra Salibian, WWD, 2 Dec. 2024

Annie Selke’s inn 33 Main has its own artistic flair and personality, and touches like complimentary breakfast and cocktail hour in the parlor make staying here feel truly convivial. —Oset Babür-Winter, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2024

One with brisk, cheerful, egalitarian service; comforting food at most hours of the day; and a convivial social atmosphere where everyone feels welcome to greet guests at the next table. —Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin convivialis, from Latin convivium banquet, from com- + vivere to live — more at quick entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1668, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

convivial

adjective

con·​viv·​i·​al

kən-ˈviv-yəl,

-ˈviv-ē-əl

: of, relating to, or fond of food, drink, merrymaking, and good company

conviviality

-ˌviv-ē-ˈal-ət-ē

noun

convivially

-ˈviv-yə-lē

-ˈviv-ē-ə-lē

adverb