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

With sunny weather and music playing throughout the day, many people simply enjoyed walking between stops and taking in the festive atmosphere. —Eva Andersen, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2026

Krispy Kreme’s O’riginal Glazed Doughnut — a vibrant green version of its signature pastry — debuted in 2016 and has returned every year (usually only for a few days) to mark the festive holiday. —Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2026

Local lowriders will participate in several community contests, andparticipants are encouraged to decorate their cars and show up in festive attire. —Bella Monaco, Dallas Morning News, 13 Mar. 2026

Want to save even more on this festive weekend? —K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 13 Mar. 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