nativity
noun
na·tiv·i·ty
nə-ˈti-və-tē 
nā-
plural nativities
1
: the process or circumstances of being born : birth
especially,
Nativity
: the birth of Jesus
2
: a horoscope at or of the time of one's birth
3
: the place of origin
Did you know?
Nativity is one of many words born of the Latin verb nāscī, which means “to be born.” The gestation of the word was a long one. Nāscī developed in Late Latin into nativitas, meaning “birth,” which passed through Anglo-French as nativité before entering English in the 14th century. Nativity has many siblings and cousins in our language; other terms of the lineage of nāscī include nature, innate, nascent, native, and renaissance.
Examples of nativity in a Sentence
my father and grandparents were proud observers of my nativity
Recent Examples on the Web
Enjoy the garden of lights, indoor dramas in Legacy Hall, live nativity, Eden Zoo, playground and Encounter the Wonder SFX show.
—
Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 29 Dec. 2024
There is a large-scale nativity, Dickens-era carolers and the lighting of the tree, among other features.
—Heather McRea, Orange County Register, 26 Dec. 2024
According to the story, a poor girl named Pepita went to see a local nativity scene.
—Norman Ellstrand and Nathan Ellstrand / Made By History, TIME, 23 Dec. 2024
During your visit, make sure to check out the outdoor nativity displays and fountain shows.
—Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for nativity
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Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 29 Dec. 2024
There is a large-scale nativity, Dickens-era carolers and the lighting of the tree, among other features.
—Heather McRea, Orange County Register, 26 Dec. 2024
According to the story, a poor girl named Pepita went to see a local nativity scene.
—Norman Ellstrand and Nathan Ellstrand / Made By History, TIME, 23 Dec. 2024
During your visit, make sure to check out the outdoor nativity displays and fountain shows.
—Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for nativity
Cite this Entry
“Nativity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nativity. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
nativity
noun
na·tiv·i·ty
nə-ˈtiv-ət-ē
nā-
plural nativities
1
capitalized
: the birth of Jesus
2
: the time, place, or manner of being born : birth
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