festive

adjective

fes·​tive ˈfe-stiv 

1

: of, relating to, or suitable for a feast or festival

a festive occasion

The house looks festive during the holidays.

2

: joyful, gay

a festive mood

festively adverb

festiveness noun

Synonyms of festive

• merry
• jolly
• cheerful

Examples of festive in a Sentence

The house looks very festive during the holidays.

She was in a festive mood.

The reunion will be a festive occasion.

Recent Examples on the Web

On shelves at the beloved bargain grocery store this November come all kinds of festive desserts, gift ideas, party appetizer shortcuts, cheery tableware, advent calendars (including the coveted cheese version), and decor galore. — Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2026

Men’s highlights include a velvet tuxedo jacket, modern suiting and festive layers. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026

Cut this festive galette into little squares for a hearty appetizer, or serve sizeable wedges as a vegetarian main or standout side. — Emma Laperruque, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026

There were red and white balloons, konpa music and a festive atmosphere at guests posed for photos in front of an American Airlines sign. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 1 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin fēstīvus "festal, fine, excellent, jovial, lively," from fēstum "feast day, festival, holiday" (noun derivative from neuter of fēstus "of a feast day, festal") + -īvus -ive — more at feast entry 1

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for festive

• restive
• congestive
• digestive
• suggestive

Kids Definition

festive

adjective

fes·​tive ˈfes-tiv 

1

: of, relating to, or suitable for a feast or festival

2

: joyous, merry

festively adverb

festiveness noun