festive

adjective

fes·​tive ˈfe-stiv How to pronounce festive (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Independence Day picnic itself was a festive affair, featuring remarks from President Trump and a B-2 bomber flyover as part of the celebrations. Wwd Staff, Footwear News, 5 July 2025 As Americans prepare to celebrate July 4, businesses are using the holiday to attract customers with festive discounts and bonus offers. Kate Nalepinski, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025 In the short clip, she is seen assembling a festive charcuterie board, carefully arranging an array of fruits, breads and cheeses to resemble the colors of the American flag. Stephanie Petit, People.com, 4 July 2025 Fireworks will light up the sky at July Fourth celebrations across Michigan in what has become a festive staple as critical to the menu for some as the barbecue spread. Clara Hendrickson, Freep.com, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for festive

Word History

Etymology

Latin festivus, from festum

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of festive was in 1613

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Festive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/festive. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

festive

adjective
fes·​tive ˈfes-tiv How to pronounce festive (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or suitable for a feast or festival
2
festively adverb
festiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on festive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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