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 version of the award has been used since the 35th anniversary of the festival in 2000, whereas Douglas had received the older design version, which Mucha explained had gained a reputation for not being easy to hold. —Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 5 July 2025

The Athletics’ bats did not allow future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander to enjoy the 20th anniversary of his Major League debut. —Sacbee.com, 5 July 2025

Visitors checking out Disneyland during this period have so many special anniversary celebrations to enjoy. —Angela Andaloro, People.com, 4 July 2025

Monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel: 1628 Ridge Road — Join the Carmelite Fathers in celebrating their 75th anniversary with a 5 p.m. Mass celebrated by Bishop McClory on July 19. —Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2025

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