festive

adjective

fes·​tive ˈfe-stiv 

1

: of, relating to, or suitable for a feast or festival

a festive occasion

The house looks festive during the holidays.

2

: joyful, gay

a festive mood

festively adverb

festiveness noun

Synonyms of festive

• merry
• jolly
• cheerful

Examples of festive in a Sentence

The house looks very festive during the holidays.

She was in a festive mood.

The reunion will be a festive occasion.

Recent Examples on the Web

These four eggs are usually the birds’ one hope during the whole year of producing offspring; the festive godwits of Chiloé become, in the breeding grounds, measured, quiet, and focussed. — Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026

Choose from a big assortment of festive, fall and halloween-ready designs. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026

There were food trucks, music and a festive environment for parents, students and athletes. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026

The holiday is a time for reflection, prayer, and celebrating with festive meals, not fasting. — Chad Murphy, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin fēstīvus "festal, fine, excellent, jovial, lively," from fēstum "feast day, festival, holiday" (noun derivative from neuter of fēstus "of a feast day, festal") + -īvus -ive — more at feast entry 1

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for festive

• restive
• congestive
• digestive
• suggestive

Kids Definition

festive

adjective

fes·​tive ˈfes-tiv 

1

: of, relating to, or suitable for a feast or festival

2

: joyous, merry

festively adverb

festiveness noun