festivity

noun

fes·​tiv·​i·​ty fe-ˈsti-və-tē How to pronounce festivity (audio)
fə-
plural festivities
Synonyms of festivitynext
1
2
: the quality or state of being festive : gaiety
3
: festive activity

Examples of festivity in a Sentence

The decorations give the hall an air of festivity. The festivities will include a parade, a concert, and games for children. We enjoyed the New Year's Eve festivities.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Be sure to keep your eye to the sky during outdoor festivities. Lauren Bostwick, CBS News, 23 May 2026 Decatur Square Want to get away from the downtown hubbub, but still feel connected to footie festivities? Gavin Godfrey, AJC.com, 22 May 2026 Miami Beach kicked off its Memorial Day weekend festivities Thursday with the unveiling of an outdoor exhibit honoring the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Pedro Portal, Miami Herald, 22 May 2026 In historical cases in South Asia, Sunni festivity during Ashura, in conjunction with their respect for Ḥusayn as a member of the Prophet’s family, have blended with Shiʿi mourning processions. Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for festivity

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of festivity was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Festivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/festivity. Accessed 27 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

festivity

noun
fes·​tiv·​i·​ty fes-ˈtiv-ət-ē How to pronounce festivity (audio)
plural festivities
1
2
: the quality or state of being festive
3
: festive activity

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