festivity

noun

fes·​tiv·​i·​ty fe-ˈsti-və-tē How to pronounce festivity (audio)
fə-
plural festivities
Synonyms of festivitynext
1
2
: the quality or state of being festive : gaiety
3
: festive activity

Examples of festivity in a Sentence

The decorations give the hall an air of festivity. The festivities will include a parade, a concert, and games for children. We enjoyed the New Year's Eve festivities.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Organizers estimate that over 100,000 will attend the LGBTQ+ pride festivities. Brian Sherrod, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2026 See the festivities, including the red carpet reception and the post-screening celebration in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Michele Eve Sandberg, Sun Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2026 More than 8,000 athletes competed across the four events in 2025, and Little Rock Marathon Race Director Geneva Lamm says there are more than 12,000 registered for this year's festivities. Arkansas Online, 1 Mar. 2026 The festivities will include food, drinks, a DJ and giveaways. Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for festivity

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of festivity was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Festivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/festivity. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

festivity

noun
fes·​tiv·​i·​ty fes-ˈtiv-ət-ē How to pronounce festivity (audio)
plural festivities
1
2
: the quality or state of being festive
3
: festive activity

More from Merriam-Webster on festivity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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