Main Entry: Christ·mas

Pronunciation: \ˈkris-məs\

Function: noun

Usage: often attributive

Etymology: Middle English Christemasse, from Old English Cristes mæsse, literally, Christ's mass

Date: before 12th century

1 : a Christian feast on December 25 or among some Eastern Orthodox Christians on January 7 that commemorates the birth of Christ and is usually observed as a legal holiday
2 : christmastide

— Christ·mas·sy or Christ·masy \-mə-sē\ adjective