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

September marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, which Beijing commemorated with a massive military parade. —Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 12 Nov. 2025

His daughter, KayLeigh Nava, thanked the council for recognizing her father on the 20-year anniversary of his death. —Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Nov. 2025

Micky Dolenz will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Monkees next year with a new tour that celebrates the band’s history. —Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 12 Nov. 2025

This is almost like an anniversary for us. —Ana Osorno, Them., 12 Nov. 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