anniversary

noun

an·​ni·​ver·​sa·​ry ˌa-nə-ˈvərs-rē How to pronounce anniversary (audio)
-ˈvər-sə-
plural anniversaries
1
: the annual recurrence of a date marking a notable event
a wedding anniversary
broadly : a date that follows such an event by a specified period of time measured in units other than years
the 6-month anniversary of the accident
2
: the celebration of an anniversary

Examples of anniversary in a Sentence

the anniversary of the invasion The exhibit will close on the 100th anniversary of the artist's death.
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.
The latest items in the line are inspired by the Trunk Edition men’s capsule collection launched last February, while leather goods nod to the 130th anniversary celebrations of the brand’s signature Monogram. — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026 The anniversary also comes at a moment when Dimensions has become increasingly woven into Miami’s larger dance community. — Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026 Earn up to $100 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase TravelSM. — Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026 And with the first day’s lineup skewing much more modern than Saturday’s 35th anniversary party for Fat Wreck Chords (which sold to Hopeless Records last year), the two nights brought out very different generations and sides of the genre. — Josh Chesler, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for anniversary

Word History

Etymology

Middle English anniversarie, from Medieval Latin anniversarium, from Latin, neuter of anniversarius returning annually, from annus year + versus, past participle of vertere to turn — more at annual, worth

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of anniversary was in the 13th century

Rhymes for anniversary

See All Rhymes for anniversary

Browse Nearby Words

Anniston
anniversary
anniversary clock
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Anniversary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anniversary. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

anniversary

noun
an·​ni·​ver·​sa·​ry ˌan-ə-ˈvərs-(ə-)rē How to pronounce anniversary (audio)
plural anniversaries
1
a
: the annual return of the date of a special event
b
: a date that follows such an event by a specified period of time
the 6-month anniversary of the accident
2
: the celebration of an anniversary
Etymology

Middle English anniversarie "anniversary," from Latin anniversarium (same meaning), literally "turning of the year," from annus "year" and versus "turned," from vertere "to turn" — related to converse, universe, versatile

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