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

Matthew McConaughey is commemorating the anniversary of his arrest in a unique way. —Lori A Bashian , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025

The list of 38 places celebrates Eater's 20th anniversary and also includes fine dining restaurants, barbecue joints and pizzerias. —Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 22 Oct. 2025

As for an official 49th anniversary celebration, Sue said Paul still owes her dinner, per the Caledonian Record. —Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Rolls-Royce‘s most iconic model, the majestic Phantom limousine, the storied marque had to create something extra special. —Howard Walker, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 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