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

Still, RadarOnline is reporting that Harry’s plans to commemorate the 30th anniversary of his mother’s tragic death could overshadow Camilla’s 80th birthday. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 28 Sep. 2026

Lester was celebrating his wedding anniversary when the storm hit the islands with gusts exceeding 50 mph and 16-foot waves, according to forecasters. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2026

While some of these undertakings are pegged to the country's 250th anniversary, critics have long accused the president of rushing to memorialize himself out of fear that no one else will. — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 28 Sep. 2026

On September 8, Wonder announced a commemorative 50th anniversary arena tour for Songs in the Key of Life, scheduled for October 13 through December 19. — Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 28 Sep. 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