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

• 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

The union results in a colorful, rhythmic and festive song that celebrates the spirit of Santa Marta and that city, the oldest in Colombia, on its 500th anniversary. —Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 10 Oct. 2025

The Apple Crumble Topped Bon is a festive take on Cinnabon’s signature Classic Roll. —Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025

This month, the shelves are stocked with festive finds perfect for Halloween parties, weeknight dinners, and autumn snacking. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Oct. 2025

For occasion dressing, special details, like Amanda Uprichard’s serious slit skirts and Zara’s festive frock in crepe, are the way to go. —Kristina Rutkowski, Glamour, 9 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin festivus, from festum

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