festive

adjective

fes·​tive ˈfe-stiv How to pronounce festive (audio)
Synonyms of festivenext
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This week, four holidays and one solar eclipse collided, with a rarity that felt like the festive equivalent of getting struck by lightning. Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026 Its arching branches of flat, fleshy leaves are now drooping, leaving the plant looking less like a festive centerpiece and more like a soggy green mop. Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Feb. 2026 Each location is designed with a festive, slightly upscale feel, from the bar programs with an extensive tequila selection to patios that encourage lingering over chips and salsa. Staff Report, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 Feb. 2026 While the exact origin of the drink itself is debated, the holiday gained popularity in the early 2000s as restaurants and tequila brands embraced its festive spirit. Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 21 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for festive

Word History

Etymology

Latin festivus, from festum

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of festive was in 1613

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Festive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/festive. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

festive

adjective
fes·​tive ˈfes-tiv How to pronounce festive (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or suitable for a feast or festival
2
festively adverb
festiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on festive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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