festive

adjective

fes·​tive ˈfe-stiv How to pronounce festive (audio)
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

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Layer the look with moss and mushroom table toppers for the ultimate festive and foraged look. Brianna Crane, Axios, 2 Nov. 2024 In the comments section, Bindi's mom Terri Irwin shared her thoughts on the family of three's festive look. Emma Aerin Becker, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024 During the festive meal, guests started singing at the top of their lungs and dancing along to the lively tunes of the Juke Joints from ALR Music, a roaming band that kept the mood jovial and energetic throughout dinner. Alexandra MacOn, Vogue, 31 Oct. 2024 As the Diwali festive season gets underway in the South Asian powerhouse, several sectors — and stocks — are expected to do well, analysts say. Sophie Kiderlin,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for festive 

Word History

Etymology

Latin festivus, from festum

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of festive was in 1613

Dictionary Entries Near festive

Cite this Entry

“Festive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/festive. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

festive

adjective
fes·​tive ˈfes-tiv How to pronounce festive (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or suitable for a feast or festival
2
festively adverb
festiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on festive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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