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

Participating restaurants will celebrate National Whataburger Day with selfie stations, balloons and other festive touches to help customers join the fun, according to the chain. — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026

Another special-edition trip, the evening Holiday Magic Train, runs from late November through December, getting riders into the spirit of the season with cups of hot cocoa and festive music. — Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Aug. 2026

As spooky season ramps up, this playful, glowing ghost serves as home decor that is both cozy and festive. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026

Retreat activities included beekeeping, outdoor dinners under festive string lights, and learning about OpenAI's latest tools and products. — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 4 Aug. 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