anniversary

noun

an·​ni·​ver·​sa·​ry ˌa-nə-ˈvərs-rē 

-ˈvər-sə-

plural anniversaries

1

: the annual recurrence of a date marking a notable event

a wedding anniversary

broadly : a date that follows such an event by a specified period of time measured in units other than years

the 6-month anniversary of the accident

2

: the celebration of an anniversary

Examples of anniversary in a Sentence

the anniversary of the invasion

The exhibit will close on the 100th anniversary of the artist's death.

Recent Examples on the Web

It had been scheduled to open on June 26 as part of the park's 65th anniversary, but that was delayed due to longer-than-expected testing of the high-flying roller coaster. — Doug Myers, CBS News, 2 July 2026

For much of the country, the 250th anniversary of independence on Saturday is a time for celebrating and debating the country's birth. — ABC News, 2 July 2026

Greenwood is leading a series of high-profile events to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026

Take a look Currency of America 250 An uncirculated set of coins featuring change marking America's 250th birthday is now available ahead of the nation's anniversary on July 4. — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 2 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English anniversarie, from Medieval Latin anniversarium, from Latin, neuter of anniversarius returning annually, from annus year + versus, past participle of vertere to turn — more at annual, worth

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for anniversary

• bursary
• cursory
• nursery

Kids Definition

anniversary

noun

an·​ni·​ver·​sa·​ry ˌan-ə-ˈvərs-(ə-)rē 

plural anniversaries

1

a

: the annual return of the date of a special event

b

: a date that follows such an event by a specified period of time

the 6-month anniversary of the accident

2

: the celebration of an anniversary

Etymology

Middle English anniversarie "anniversary," from Latin anniversarium (same meaning), literally "turning of the year," from annus "year" and versus "turned," from vertere "to turn" — related to converse, universe, versatile