anniversary

noun

an·​ni·​ver·​sa·​ry ˌa-nə-ˈvərs-rē How to pronounce anniversary (audio)
-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 couple tied the knot on March 12, 2022 — and shared their second wedding anniversary celebrations on Instagram on Tuesday. Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024 The capsule collection launch coincides with the eighth anniversary of the brand, largely grown in creative partnership with Sasha’s mother, a lifelong costume jewelry designer. Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 14 Mar. 2024 To celebrate its 30th anniversary, TCM on April 14 will present a 24-hour marathon of films with historical introductions from Robert Osborne and throughout the month feature programming with other staffers who started with the channel, it was announced Thursday. Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2024 Join 3 others in the comments View Comments The third test flight occurred on SpaceX’s 22nd anniversary, according to the live stream. Jackie Wattles, CNN, 14 Mar. 2024 On March 12, Brittany took to her Instagram Stories to wish her hubby a happy anniversary, with a series of throwback photos as well as boomerangs from the day, in a tone that is surprisingly earnest for the usually snarky personality. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2024 The company also kicked off a yearlong celebration of the V-Series to celebrate its 20th anniversary. Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 13 Mar. 2024 The group will also perform a special anniversary event at the Lodge Room in Los Angeles on March 15. Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 11 Mar. 2024 Her Saturday appearance was held at an event honoring the 20th anniversary of the pro-choice political action committee Arizona List. Laura Gersony, The Arizona Republic, 2 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'anniversary.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of anniversary was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near anniversary

Cite this Entry

“Anniversary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anniversary. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

anniversary

noun
an·​ni·​ver·​sa·​ry ˌan-ə-ˈvərs-(ə-)rē How to pronounce anniversary (audio)
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

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