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

The event is one of many being planned by Freedom 250 and America250, a separate nonpartisan organization tasked by Congress to mark the anniversary. —Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 14 Apr. 2026

Remembering 9/11 in New York City In New York City, Charles and Camilla will meet with first responders and the families of victims of the 9/11 attack in recognition of its 25th anniversary, according to the palace. —Katie Kindelan, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026

Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. —Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2026

The couple, who opened one of Silicon Valley’s first full-service Middle Eastern restaurants a quarter-century ago and now operate five fast-casual eateries called Dish n Dash, will mark the anniversary by expanding to the Tri-Valley area for the first time. —Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 14 Apr. 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