festive

adjective

fes·​tive ˈfe-stiv How to pronounce festive (audio)
Synonyms of festive
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

Synonyms of festive

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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.
Outside the shrines, though, the atmosphere is almost festive. — Jane Arraf, NPR, 26 Aug. 2026 At one point, police appeared to use pepper spray to disperse an area of the crowd, but a festive vibe quickly resumed. — ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026 But a quaint tea party can feel just as festive as a fall feast, especially with the right tea set. — Maria Sabella, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2026 From black cats and candy corn to ghosts and owls, the festive bistro items make classic Halloween motifs feel elegant and sophisticated. — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for festive

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin fēstīvus "festal, fine, excellent, jovial, lively," from fēstum "feast day, festival, holiday" (noun derivative from neuter of fēstus "of a feast day, festal") + -īvus -ive — more at feast entry 1

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of festive was in 1613

Rhymes for festive

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Browse Nearby Words

festival seating
festive
festivity
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Cite this Entry

“Festive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/festive. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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
: joyous, merry
festively adverb
festiveness noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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