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Christmas

noun, often attributive Christ·mas \ ˈkris-məs \

Definition of Christmas

1 :a Christian feast on December 25 or among some Eastern Orthodox Christians on January 7 that commemorates the birth of Christ and is usually observed as a legal holiday
2 :christmastide
—

Christmassy

or Christmasy play \-mə-sē\ adjective

See Christmas defined for English-language learners

See Christmas defined for kids

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Video: Christmas vs. Xmas

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The surprising history behind this controversial abbreviation.

Examples of christmas in a Sentence

  1. We're spending Christmas with my parents.

  2. We had a very happy Christmas this year.

  3. I wish you all a merry Christmas.

Origin and Etymology of christmas

Middle English Christemasse, from Old English Cristes mæsse, literally, Christ's mass

Phrases Related to CHRISTMAS

Related Phrases

CHRISTMAS Defined for English Language Learners

Christmas

noun

Definition of Christmas for English Language Learners

  • : a Christian holiday that is celebrated on December 25 in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ or the period of time that comes before and after this holiday

CHRISTMAS Defined for Kids

Christmas

noun Christ·mas \ ˈkris-məs \

Definition of Christmas for Students

:December 25 celebrated in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ

Learn More about christmas

  1. See words that rhyme with Christmas Spanish Central: Translation of Christmas Nglish: Translation of Christmas for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of Christmas for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Christmas

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Examples: Christmas in a Sentence