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

The special will air on BBC Two over the festive period and play on BBC iPlayer. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026

However, there are lots of festive Halloween items to display elsewhere in the home. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026

Halloween season is arguably the most festive time of year in Los Angeles. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Filling porch and patio planters with fall-blooming annuals and festive foliage plants is an easy way to add color to your space and curb appeal to your home. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 28 Sep. 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