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 one-year anniversary of Wilson's death back in February, Southern University announced its plans to honor him with a posthumous degree and shared a statement remembering the late student. —Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026

The 60th anniversary of the May 16, 1966 release is being celebrated in multiple ways. —Chris Willman, Variety, 17 May 2026

With the couple on the cusp of celebrating their eighth wedding anniversary on May 19, the question is getting a lot of attention once again. —Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 17 May 2026

On Route 66’s 100th anniversary, a cross‑country road trip with my kids and parents became less about distance — and more about love, loss and time together. —Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 17 May 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