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

The film is billed as a blend of family comedy and fantasy adventure built around festive theatrical viewing. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026

Some come for the high-octane DJs at Shellona or the all-day revelry of Nikki Beach; others swear by the legendary glamour of Le Club 55 or the festive energy of Casa Amor. — Lanie Goodman, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026

To make the moment more festive, the hospital room was decorated with balloons and flowers, along with a cake. — Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026

The retailer just released some indoor decorations, and this year’s offerings are sweeter than scary, with adorable girl ghosts, fun prints, and festive garland. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 12 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