festive

adjective

fes·​tive ˈfe-stiv 

1

: of, relating to, or suitable for a feast or festival

a festive occasion

The house looks festive during the holidays.

2

: joyful, gay

a festive mood

festively adverb

festiveness noun

Synonyms of festive

• merry
• jolly
• cheerful

Examples of festive in a Sentence

The house looks very festive during the holidays.

She was in a festive mood.

The reunion will be a festive occasion.

Recent Examples on the Web

Requiring no special pan, this festive cake is loved by both kids and adults. —Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2026

This all-day, rain-or-shine celebration will be overflowing with live entertainment, festive food, family fun and plenty of Irish spirit, including special offerings from Guinness and Jameson, who will be onsite with festive surprises. —Laura Ness, Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2026

Each clever trap lands with festive flair, proving that Windsor’s women really run the show. —Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2026

The film will release worldwide March 19, coinciding with the festive celebrations of Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, and Eid. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin fēstīvus "festal, fine, excellent, jovial, lively," from fēstum "feast day, festival, holiday" (noun derivative from neuter of fēstus "of a feast day, festal") + -īvus -ive — more at feast entry 1

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for festive

• restive
• congestive
• digestive
• suggestive

Kids Definition

festive

adjective

fes·​tive ˈfes-tiv 

1

: of, relating to, or suitable for a feast or festival

2

: joyous, merry

festively adverb

festiveness noun