festivity

noun

fes·​tiv·​i·​ty fe-ˈsti-və-tē 

fə-

plural festivities

1

: festival sense 1

2

: the quality or state of being festive : gaiety

3

: festive activity

Synonyms

• cheer
• cheerfulness
• cheeriness
• gaiety
• gayety
• gayness
• glee
• gleefulness
• hilarity
• jocundity
• joviality
• merriment
• merriness
• mirth
• mirthfulness

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

Guests are encouraged to participate in making them and witnessing the burial and unearthing ceremonies, which are crucial to the festivities, before enjoying the iconic dish. —Claudia Alarcón, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

The Biltmore will reopen on Nov. 2 for holiday festivities. —Ashley Mahoney, Axios, 22 Oct. 2024

However, over time, women have carved out their space within the festivities. —Jameelah Nasheed, Essence, 22 Oct. 2024

Justin and his draft class missed out on the festivities that typically surround the event but the Chargers found a memorable way to celebrate their newest draftees. —Nasha Smith, People.com, 21 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

festivity

noun

fes·​tiv·​i·​ty fes-ˈtiv-ət-ē 

plural festivities

1

: festival sense 1

2

: the quality or state of being festive

3

: festive activity