festivity

noun

fes·​tiv·​i·​ty fe-ˈsti-və-tē How to pronounce festivity (audio)
fə-
plural festivities
Synonyms of festivitynext
1
: festival sense 1
2
: the quality or state of being festive : gaiety
3
: festive activity

Synonyms of festivity

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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
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.
At the Sugar Bowl in 2019, Bevo broke away from his handlers and escaped, charging at Uga during the pregame festivities. — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 The festivities have included shows in New York City, and upcoming gigs in Los Angeles, Paris, and London, a series of pop-up events and activations, and even a run of commemorative library cards with the Brooklyn Public Library system. — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026 The messy melee takes place for over an hour in the town, where buildings are covered with tarps ahead of the festivities. — ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026 Food and music will add to the festivities, and proceeds benefit the Museum’s restoration work. — Mary Caldwell, AJC.com, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for festivity

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of festivity was in the 15th century

Rhymes for festivity

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Browse Nearby Words

festive
festivity
festivous
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

festivity

noun
fes·​tiv·​i·​ty fes-ˈtiv-ət-ē How to pronounce festivity (audio)
plural festivities
1
: festival sense 1
2
: the quality or state of being festive
3
: festive activity
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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