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

On the tenth anniversary of the ruling, the United States, the Philippines, and 12 other states reaffirmed their commitment to the decision and denounced China’s unlawful behavior. — Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026

With the 30th anniversary of Cinderella fast approaching, Houston’s greatest heartbreak may have a chance to be mended. — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 29 July 2026

This is the type of place to celebrate a milestone birthday or anniversary, leaving the kids at home and having that extra glass of wine while watching the sun set over the Pacific. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026

Lynette Howell Taylor has been reelected president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, beginning a second consecutive term as the organization moves toward its 100th anniversary. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 29 July 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