festivity

noun

fes·​tiv·​i·​ty fe-ˈsti-və-tē 

fə-

plural festivities

1

: festival sense 1

2

: the quality or state of being festive : gaiety

3

: festive activity

Synonyms

• cheer
• cheerfulness
• cheeriness
• gaiety
• gayety
• gayness
• glee
• gleefulness
• hilarity
• jocundity
• joviality
• merriment
• merriness
• mirth
• mirthfulness

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

Cambodian community hosts festivities The Cambodian community is celebrating Khmer New Year and the harvest season with festivities that reflect Buddhist customs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 26-27 at Colina del Sol Park, 5295 52nd Place. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2025

The festivities surrounding the ceremony will also extend beyond the awards. —Okla Jones, Essence, 22 Apr. 2025

Amid the festivities, in the Reading Nook, the first lady shared a message of kindness and compassion while reading Bunny with a Big Heart to a group of eager children. —Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 21 Apr. 2025

As captured in the incredible wedding photos by Nick and Lauren Photography, one male lion wanted to take part in the festivities, witnessing the ceremony from behind a plate-glass wall. —Rachel McRady, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for festivity

• acclivity
• activity
• captivity
• declivity
• nativity
• passivity
• proclivity
• absorptivity
• affectivity
• collectivity
• conductivity
• connectivity

Kids Definition

festivity

noun

fes·​tiv·​i·​ty fes-ˈtiv-ət-ē 

plural festivities

1

: festival sense 1

2

: the quality or state of being festive

3

: festive activity