merrymaking

noun

mer·​ry·​mak·​ing ˈmer-ē-ˌmā-kiŋ How to pronounce merrymaking (audio)
1
: gay or festive activity : conviviality
2
: a convivial occasion : festivity

Examples of merrymaking in a Sentence

Christmas Eve is always an occasion of much merrymaking at our home.
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 merrymaking is over, and the cold, gloomy feel of winter sets in — not the best recipe for a motivated staff. Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 1 Feb. 2024 Eat at The Ram, where the goulash and schnitzel from the Heritage Menu are always a hit; shop at Brass Ranch, the epicenter for European ski and sportswear; and hit the outdoor Holiday Market, which unveils a flurry of merrymaking and festive artisanal goods Dec. 16 and 17. Elycia Rubin, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Dec. 2023 If that's not enough merrymaking for you and yours, there are plenty of other festivities: This year, the resort has added a new light tour: the Millionaire Motorcar. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 Dec. 2023 The classic spiked dessert hides out for hours before the merrymaking begins, soaking up rum in a secluded cabinet to safeguard it from those who'd like to take a nibble—or from that one relative who'd prefer to add an extra tipple when no one is watching. Nicola Blaque, Southern Living, 11 Nov. 2023 See all Example Sentences for merrymaking 

Word History

First Known Use

1618, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of merrymaking was in 1618

Dictionary Entries Near merrymaking

Cite this Entry

“Merrymaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/merrymaking. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

merrymaking

noun
mer·​ry·​mak·​ing ˈmer-ē-ˌmā-kiŋ How to pronounce merrymaking (audio)
1
: festive activity : merriment
2
: a festive occasion
merrymaker
-kər
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on merrymaking

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!