kermis

or ker·mess, kir·mess

[ kur-mis ]

noun

1. (in the Low Countries) a local, annual outdoor fair or festival.
2. a similar entertainment, usually for charitable purposes.

kermis

/ ˈkɜːmɪs /

noun

1. (formerly, esp in Holland and Northern Germany) an annual country festival or carnival
2. a similar event, esp one held to collect money for charity

Word History and Origins

Origin of kermis¹

1570–80; < Dutch, earlier ker ( c ) misse ( kerc church + misse Mass ); originally a fair at the dedication of a church

Word History and Origins

Origin of kermis¹

C16: from Middle Dutch kercmisse, from kerc church + misse Mass ; originally a festival held to celebrate the dedication of a church

Example Sentences

The Arabs received the kermis from Armenia, and the name was originally “Quer-més,” “oak-apple.”

From Project Gutenberg

One week each year they have a great festival called the "Kermis," which is not unlike the old-fashioned carnival in this country.

From Project Gutenberg

The travelling temples reserved for the honour of poffertjes and wafelen are the most noticeable features of any Kermis.

From Project Gutenberg

It was at Leyden that I saw my first Kermis, or fair, seven years ago, and ate my first poffertjes and wafelen.

From Project Gutenberg

Writing as a foreigner, in no way concerned with the matter, I may express regret that the Kermis is not what it was in Holland.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• festival
• spectacle