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

This is an anniversary meal, an impress-the-in-laws, an ask-him-to-marry-you sort of place. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Mar. 2026

Some of the United States' most important historical documents began a first-of-its kind journey Monday as part of the country's 250th anniversary commemoration. —Arkansas Online, 3 Mar. 2026

Launched in 1945 to commemorate Rolex’s 40th anniversary, the Datejust was the first self-winding wristwatch with a date window that automatically changed over at midnight. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 3 Mar. 2026

The release coincides with the 150th anniversary of the Ring’s first complete performance, at the Bayreuth Festival in Germany — and the DSO’s 125th anniversary. —Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 3 Mar. 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