festive

adjective

fes·​tive ˈfe-stiv 

1

: of, relating to, or suitable for a feast or festival

a festive occasion

The house looks festive during the holidays.

2

: joyful, gay

a festive mood

festively adverb

festiveness noun

Synonyms

• blithe
• blithesome
• gay
• gleeful
• jocose
• jocular
• jocund
• jolly
• jovial
• laughing
• merry
• mirthful
• sunny

Examples of festive in a Sentence

The house looks very festive during the holidays.

She was in a festive mood.

The reunion will be a festive occasion.

Recent Examples on the Web

All the while, the fans and the stars bring good tidings of cheer, joy and hilarity to festive events like carol-oke, holiday trivia challenges and Christmas competitions. —Breanne L. Heldman, People.com, 12 June 2025

Despite the location change, the commencement was full of proud parents, festive emotions and colorful mortarboards. —Sacbee.com, 12 June 2025

These specials are scheduled to align with the start of each school holiday in France, beginning with a festive Christmas episode set to premiere in December 2026. —Jamie Lang, Variety, 11 June 2025

And that's after adding four pink, festive pineapple dragonfruit drinks to their beverage menu at the start of spring. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 10 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin festivus, from festum

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for festive

• restive
• congestive
• digestive
• suggestive

Kids Definition

festive

adjective

fes·​tive ˈfes-tiv 

1

: of, relating to, or suitable for a feast or festival

2

: joyous, merry

festively adverb

festiveness noun