anniversary

noun

an·​ni·​ver·​sa·​ry ˌa-nə-ˈvərs-rē 

-ˈvər-sə-

plural anniversaries

1

: the annual recurrence of a date marking a notable event

a wedding anniversary

broadly : a date that follows such an event by a specified period of time measured in units other than years

the 6-month anniversary of the accident

2

: the celebration of an anniversary

Examples of anniversary in a Sentence

the anniversary of the invasion

The exhibit will close on the 100th anniversary of the artist's death.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Fort Worth Herd was established to celebrate the city’s 150th anniversary. —Matt Leclercq, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026

Our local movie palace is celebrating its centennial anniversary this year. —Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 31 Mar. 2026

The Harris Theater for Music and Dance has announced its 2026-27 season of dance, music and theater, its 20th anniversary season in Millennium Park, opening with a visit from the Trisha Brown Dance Company in September. —Doug George, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026

The Bridge officially reopened in May 2025, just in time to celebrate the airline’s 80th anniversary this year. —Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English anniversarie, from Medieval Latin anniversarium, from Latin, neuter of anniversarius returning annually, from annus year + versus, past participle of vertere to turn — more at annual, worth

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for anniversary

• bursary
• cursory
• nursery

Kids Definition

anniversary

noun

an·​ni·​ver·​sa·​ry ˌan-ə-ˈvərs-(ə-)rē 

plural anniversaries

1

a

: the annual return of the date of a special event

b

: a date that follows such an event by a specified period of time

the 6-month anniversary of the accident

2

: the celebration of an anniversary

Etymology

Middle English anniversarie "anniversary," from Latin anniversarium (same meaning), literally "turning of the year," from annus "year" and versus "turned," from vertere "to turn" — related to converse, universe, versatile