merrymaking

noun

mer·​ry·​mak·​ing ˈmer-ē-ˌmā-kiŋ 

1

: gay or festive activity : conviviality

2

: a convivial occasion : festivity

Synonyms

• festivity
• celebration
• revelry
• merriment
• gayety
• cheerfulness
• jollity

Examples of merrymaking in a Sentence

Christmas Eve is always an occasion of much merrymaking at our home.

Recent Examples on the Web

Their everlasting merrymaking might seem warm and fuzzy at first glance, but in truth, there is a gloomy undercurrent to their existence, hiding just beneath the surface. —Tomris Laffly, Variety, 25 May 2025

Alternatively, the Perry Lane Hotel, as well as the brand-new, Ann Savannah, will put you in the heart of the merrymaking. —Madeline Weinfield, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2025

In fact, ancient Romans celebrated the day with a fertility festival with animal sacrifices and drunken merrymaking. —Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2025

For the Ryman show, that bit of merrymaking fell to Crow, Larkin Poe and Tuttle as Starr sang and drummed. —Nancy Kruh, People.com, 17 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1618, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for merrymaking

• moneymaking
• overtaking
• papermaking
• undertaking
• aching
• baking
• braking
• breaking
• caking
• faking
• flaking
• making

Kids Definition

merrymaking

noun

mer·​ry·​mak·​ing ˈmer-ē-ˌmā-kiŋ 

1

: festive activity : merriment

2

: a festive occasion

merrymaker

-kər

noun