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

It was renewed for a third season and festive special last month. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 21 Sep. 2026

Finding the middle ground between cozy and witchy, Ratajkowski injected her own brand of downtown cool into her festive fall outfit with a pair of outsized, bug-eyed sunglasses. — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026

From the famous Woolly Worm Festival, where locals cheer on fuzzy caterpillars in tiny races, to cozy afternoons at apple orchards and scenic drives up to Grandfather Mountain, fall here feels festive. — Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2026

Chic manicure techniques like jelly finishes, intricate coffee swirls, and 3D embellishments provide an additional festive flair. — Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 18 Sep. 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