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merrymaking

noun
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mer·​ry·​mak·​ing | \ ˈmer-ē-ˌmā-kiŋ How to pronounce merrymaking (audio) \

Definition of merrymaking

1 : gay or festive activity : conviviality
2 : a convivial occasion : festivity
Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about merrymaking

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Examples of merrymaking in a Sentence

Christmas Eve is always an occasion of much merrymaking at our home.
Recent Examples on the Web The Pilgrims who arrived in 1620 classified it as just another day, rejecting the impious merrymaking of old England. — Steve Chapman, chicagotribune.com, "Column: How America shaped Christmas, and how Christmas shapes us," 23 Dec. 2020 The holidays always are a difficult time for people struggling with addiction or in recovery, who try to stay clean when surrounded by merrymaking and alcohol consumption, as well as the additional pressures of the season. — Susan Dunne, courant.com, "Addiction is ‘the epidemic within the pandemic’; webinar offers help as holidays, isolation add to stress," 8 Dec. 2020 Stremel says eco-friendly merrymaking means a time of good cheer with less waste and more positive consumer outcomes. — Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, "Go 'green' this holiday season. Try these 10 eco-friendly gift-giving and wrapping tips," 24 Nov. 2020 Operators of the Minnesota Renaissance Festival have announced that state limitations in connection with the coronavirus pandemic are forcing them to call off this year's merrymaking bash from the medieval past. — Paul Walsh, Star Tribune, "Renaissance Festival called off until next year," 20 Aug. 2020 With no good excuse except for enjoyment and merrymaking? — Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, "Read an excerpt (and see the cover!) from Beach Read author Emily Henry's next rom-com," 19 Aug. 2020 Mid-Lent celebrations are a beloved and generations-old tradition in the Magdalens, full of music, costumes, and merrymaking. — Jennifer Hayes, National Geographic, "Inside the fragile world of Québec’s harp seals," 19 Dec. 2019 Salcedo grew up in Hondo in a working-class family that appreciated merrymaking. — Elaine Ayala, ExpressNews.com, "Beloved S.A. actress took the stage late and got all the laughs," 19 Dec. 2019 And that’s just the beginning of their holiday merrymaking. — Anchorage Daily News, "Putting the ‘happy’ in the holidays for hospital patients," 18 Dec. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'merrymaking.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of merrymaking

1618, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Time Traveler for merrymaking

Time Traveler

The first known use of merrymaking was in 1618

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Statistics for merrymaking

Last Updated

9 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Merrymaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/merrymaking. Accessed 25 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for merrymaking

merrymaking

noun
How to pronounce merrymaking (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of merrymaking

: fun and enjoyment : joyful celebration that includes eating, drinking, singing, and dancing

See the full definition for merrymaking in the English Language Learners Dictionary

merrymaking

noun
mer·​ry·​mak·​ing | \ ˈmer-ē-ˌmā-kiŋ How to pronounce merrymaking (audio) \

Kids Definition of merrymaking

: fun and enjoyment : joyful celebration

More from Merriam-Webster on merrymaking

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for merrymaking

Nglish: Translation of merrymaking for Spanish Speakers

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