festivity

noun

plural festivities
Synonyms of festivitynext
1
2
: the quality or state of being festive : gaiety
3
: festive activity

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.
When autumn arrives, few things beat the thrill of exploring Halloween towns in the US that go all-in on the festivities. — Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 13 Oct. 2026 Charles reportedly has the final call on who attends the royal family’s holiday festivities. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 12 Oct. 2026 The Spanish Armed Forces military parade is a staple of the festivities, and is traditionally followed by a reception hosting the country’s most notable leaders at the Royal Palace in Madrid. — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026 For some reason, politics is always on parade at the annual festivities celebrating Italian-American heritage. — Marcia Kramer, CBS News, 12 Oct. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

festivity

noun
plural festivities
1
2
: the quality or state of being festive
3
: festive activity
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