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

North Korea has kept celebratory plans for the 80th anniversary of the Workers’ Party of Korea on Friday tightly under wraps – much like the secretive and isolated state has done in the past with significant dates. —Helen Regan, CNN Money, 9 Oct. 2025

The Diablo variant creating the most interest is the SE30, commemorating the 30th anniversary of Lamborghini in 1993, an example of which is shown here. —Iain MacAuley, Robb Report, 8 Oct. 2025

The upfront will highlight the 100th anniversary of the NBC broadcast network. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 8 Oct. 2025

Samuel has publicly shown his love for LaTanya many times, including a sweet Instagram message in August 2020 in honor of their 40th wedding anniversary. —Emily Krauser, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025

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