festive

adjective

fes·​tive ˈfe-stiv 

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

• blithe
• blithesome
• gay
• gleeful
• jocose
• jocular
• jocund
• jolly
• jovial
• laughing
• merry
• mirthful
• sunny

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

Classical Lunar New Year officially fell on Jan. 29, and the New York Philharmonic rings in the Year of the Snake in its usual festive manner, with a vibrant gala and a concert. —The New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2025

This luxuriously soft blanket features the FOX News logo and is available in a festive pink shade with hearts – perfect for the season of love. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 31 Jan. 2025

Opt for the chunkier red velvet version for a festive, heartwarming touch. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 24 Jan. 2025

For a more festive touch, add ice skating at Royal Victoria Park and picking up gifts at the Bath Christmas Market to your day’s activities. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin festivus, from festum

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

festive

adjective

fes·​tive ˈfes-tiv 

1

: of, relating to, or suitable for a feast or festival

2

: joyous, merry

festively adverb

festiveness noun