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

To honor the 100th anniversary of the tournament, the matches will begin in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay before the majority of them are played in Spain, Morocco and Portugal. — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026

Premiering just two weeks apart, both shows are produced by Witherspoon’s media company, Hello Sunshine, which is coming up on its 10th anniversary this fall. — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 22 July 2026

The Impavido was inspired by the Bushido code and is the automaker’s way of marking the 25th anniversary of its Japanese division. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 22 July 2026

British Vogue reported that more than 200 guests attended the Somerset ceremony, which was held in a meadow that was in full bloom, on the couple’s fifth anniversary. — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 22 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