Christmas

noun

Christ·​mas ˈkri-sməs 

often attributive

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 adjective

or Christmasy

ˈkri-smə-sē 

Examples of Christmas in a Sentence

We're spending Christmas with my parents.

We had a very happy Christmas this year.

I wish you all a merry Christmas.

Recent Examples on the Web

Dennis Messner said that Otto Construction used to buy Christmas presents for its employees from Hollywood Hardware. — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 20 June 2026

As Orion's Belt and the bright stars of winter appear in the east just after an early sunset, telescopes are added to Christmas lists. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 19 June 2026

Outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas has attributed roughly 40% of recent layoff announcements to AI. — Joe Toscano, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

But, on the plus side, Barrs says she's been treated with a six-figure salary, and she's often showered with birthday gifts, Christmas bonuses and the opportunity to tag along on international trips. — Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 19 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing Christmas

• a white Christmas
• Christmas berry
• Christmas cactus
• Christmas cake
• Christmas card
• Christmas carol
• Christmas club
• Christmas cracker
• Christmas Day
• Christmas disease
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas factor
• Christmas fern
• Christmas ornament
• Christmas pudding
• Christmas rose
• Christmas season
• Christmas stocking
• Christmas tree
• Father Christmas
• Merry Christmas
• Old Christmas
• pre-Christmas

Rhymes for Christmas

• isthmus

Kids Definition

Christmas

noun

Christ·​mas ˈkris-məs 

1

: December 25 celebrated in honor of the birth of Christ

2

: christmastime