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 of festivity

• cheerfulness
• glee
• merriness
• cheer

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

Violence at parties and other festivities marred the Halloween weekend, as police in multiple cities across the country investigated shootings and other mayhem that left at least 124 people shot, 17 fatally, authorities said. — ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026

Leigh’s costars Hattie McDaniel and Butterfly McQueen were excluded from the festivities. — Serena Turner, Vanity Fair, 3 Nov. 2026

Tracey Morgan was a part of the day’s festivities as the official Grand Marshal of the race, cheering on his fellow celebrities — and the rest of the New York runners. — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 2 Nov. 2026

More than 20 players and coaches from the 2016 squad participated in the champions gate festivities, part of a larger weekend celebration that included a private gathering with nearly all players, coaches and staff from the title team. — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026

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