fete

[ feyt, fet ]

noun

, plural fetes.

1. a day of celebration; holiday:

   The Fourth of July is a great American fete.

2. a festive celebration or entertainment:

   The ball was the greatest fete of the season.

3. a religious feast or festival:

   a fete lasting several days in honor of a saint.

verb (used with object)

, fet·ed, fet·ing.

1. to entertain at or honor with a fete:

   to fete a visiting celebrity.

2. to celebrate, laud, or acclaim:

   He was feted in the press and honored by fellow citizens.

fête

/ feɪt /

noun

1. a gala, bazaar, or similar entertainment, esp one held outdoors in aid of charity
2. a feast day or holiday, esp one of religious significance
3. informal.
   an organized group entertainment, esp a party or a dance

verb

1. tr to honour or entertain with or as if with a fête

   the author was fêted by his publishers

2. informal.
   intr to join in a fête

Word History and Origins

Origin of fete¹

First recorded in 1745–55; from French fête “holiday, festival,” from Old French feste “feast”; feast

Word History and Origins

Origin of fete¹

C18: from French: feast

Example Sentences

Earlier this week, Klum told USA Today that her yearly fête was a result of having few “really cool” Halloween party options in New York.

From Los Angeles Times

"The first year especially, I thought it was going to be a small fete, but when all those people turned up it was crazy," he said.

From BBC

It’s like they are frozen in time, enjoying a giant and timeless party somewhere: On a balcony admiring ballroom dancers, or guests at a grandiose fête thrown by the Great Gatsby himself.

From Seattle Times

We are living in the era of eras tours, it seems, and it’s not exactly novel for most artists with a catalog four decades deep to fete their own legacy on the road.

From Seattle Times

“We wanted to honor the Olympics because Paris is hosting the Games,” Christophe Ghiena, the technical director of Menton’s Lemon Festival, or “Fête du Citron,” said.

From Seattle Times