saturnalia

sat·ur·na·lia

noun pl but singular or pl in constr \ˌsa-tər-ˈnāl-yə, -ˈnā-lē-ə\

Definition of SATURNALIA

1

capitalized : the festival of Saturn in ancient Rome beginning on December 17

2

singular, plural saturnalias also saturnalia a : an unrestrained often licentious celebration : orgy b : excess, extravagance

— sat·ur·na·lian \-ˈnāl-yən, -ˈnā-lē-ən\ adjective

— sat·ur·na·lian·ly adverb

Origin of SATURNALIA

Latin, from neuter plural of saturnalis of Saturn, from Saturnus

First Known Use: 1591

Rhymes with SATURNALIA

coprolalia, echolalia, glossolalia, inter alia, Lupercalia, marginalia, penetralia