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.
The programming includes everything from live music and strolling carolers to festive crafts and local vendors. — Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Oct. 2026 Fans love the festive attitude and the Bananas have sold out football stadiums, such as the 101,000 who came in June to see the team at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026 Other natural materials, such as gourds, hay, and cornstalks make for festive decor, but Wells suggests choosing materials from your local area to reduce the risk of introducing invasive plants or seeds. — Katie Koschalk, Scientific American, 16 Oct. 2026 Attendance was mandatory, but a cleric with a loudspeaker tried to give the event a festive air. — Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 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
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