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

Earlier demos on the compilation also celebrate the 30th anniversary of Cole’s biggest album, This Fire, and her accompanying tour in 2026. — Tina Eves, SPIN, 9 Sep. 2026

Coach will be celebrating its 85th anniversary with a party right after its show at Pier 36. — Hilary Milnes, Vogue, 9 Sep. 2026

The admission came as the women on the panel were reminiscing about shows past for the 30th anniversary. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026

It is slated for delivery between Q3 2027 and Q2 2028, in celebration of the franchise’s 30th anniversary in 2028. — Kevin Giraud, Variety, 9 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