festival

[ fes-tuh-vuhl ]

noun

1. a day or time of religious or other celebration, marked by feasting, ceremonies, or other observances:

   the festival of Christmas; a Roman festival.

2. a periodic commemoration, anniversary, or celebration:

   an annual strawberry festival.

3. a period or program of festive activities, cultural events, or entertainment:

   a music festival.

4. gaiety; revelry; merrymaking.

adjective

1. festal:

   a festival atmosphere of unrestrained joy.

festival

/ ˈfɛstɪvəl /

noun

1. a day or period set aside for celebration or feasting, esp one of religious significance
2. any occasion for celebration, esp one which commemorates an anniversary or other significant event
3. an organized series of special events and performances, usually in one place

   a festival of drama

4. archaic.
   a time of revelry; merrymaking
5. modifier relating to or characteristic of a festival

Other Words From

• pre·festi·val noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of festival¹

1300–50; Middle English < Medieval Latin fēstivālis ( diēs ) holy (day). See festive, -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of festival¹

C14: from Church Latin fēstivālis of a feast, from Latin festīvus festive

Example Sentences

The expo typically occurred alongside the London Games Festival in April.

From BBC

In September, Insomnia Gaming Festival, the UK's biggest gaming expo, was due to take place in Birmingham, but following a number of lay-offs at its organiser, Player1 Events, tickets never went on sale.

From BBC

However, it's important to note that festival tickets are distributed on the coach itself, so you can't cheat the system.

From BBC

Your syndicate doesn't have to be formed of people you're physically going to the festival with.

From BBC

It's possible to get into the festival as a volunteer - typically working three eight-hour shifts in return for a ticket.

From BBC

Related Words

• anniversary
• commemoration
• competition
• fair
• feast
• gala
• holiday