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 of festive

• merry
• jolly
• cheerful

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

Retailers now stock Summerween-specific items like festive banners, pumpkin beach balls, Jack-O-Melons, surfing pumpkins and skeleton pool floats. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026

Frank Capra’s Christmas classic is repeatedly voted Britain’s favourite festive film for a reason. — Lea Tran, TheWeek, 8 July 2026

By taking advantage of this ticket, park goers can enjoy the ongoing Disneyland Resort 70th anniversary celebration, which adds festive decor, limited-time activations, and specialty treats to commemorate seven decades of magic. — Carly Caramanna, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2026

Perfumes Holy Berry Extrait de Parfum Holy Berry is a festive mix of red berries, oud, strawberry milk, and vanilla. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 6 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin fēstīvus "festal, fine, excellent, jovial, lively," from fēstum "feast day, festival, holiday" (noun derivative from neuter of fēstus "of a feast day, festal") + -īvus -ive — more at feast entry 1

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