festive

adjective

fes·​tive ˈfe-stiv How to pronounce festive (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or suitable for a feast or festival
a festive occasion
The house looks festive during the holidays.
2
: joyful, gay
a festive mood
festively adverb
festiveness noun

Examples of festive in a Sentence

The house looks very festive during the holidays. She was in a festive mood. The reunion will be a festive occasion.
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.
Champagne Toast 3-Wick Candle This fruity candle smells like a sparkling spritzer—perfect for setting the mood for a festive gathering. Christina Shepherd McGuire, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Nov. 2024 Alternatively, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey provides a mellow, caramel-rich sweetness that keeps things festive without clashing. Emily Price, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 During the holiday season, travelers will find Christmas markets featuring Italian artisans, foods, and festive decor. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2024 Delhi Plagued By Diwali Firework Smog While the scene in Ayodhya was festive, residents in Delhi and northern India are experiencing elevated air pollution levels, a persistent issue that typically worsens during Diwali due to widespread firecracker usage. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for festive 

Word History

Etymology

Latin festivus, from festum

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of festive was in 1613

Dictionary Entries Near festive

Cite this Entry

“Festive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/festive. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

festive

adjective
fes·​tive ˈfes-tiv How to pronounce festive (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or suitable for a feast or festival
2
festively adverb
festiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on festive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!