Yuletide

or yule·tide

[ yool-tahyd ]

noun

1. the Christmas season.
2. the season of an ancient Germanic pagan holiday centering around the winter solstice, now sometimes celebrated by neopagans.

adjective

1. of or relating to the Christmas season.
2. of or relating to the season of an ancient Germanic pagan holiday centering around the winter solstice, now sometimes celebrated by neopagans.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Yuletide¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English; Yule + tide

Example Sentences

On Dec. 16, the Churchtown Dairy in Claverack, New York, once again hosted a Yuletide tradition: caroling to the herd of 28 cattle that call the cathedral-like barn their winter home.

From Seattle Times

Which parts of the UK have had the most success with topping the charts - and which meaty pastry staple features in almost as many Yuletide number ones as Christmas itself?

From BBC

The song answers the question: “What if Ken was more devoted to seasonal Yuletide sounds than movie musical allusions?”

From Los Angeles Times

A message on the other side of the Yuletide craft made the pregnancy announcement: “Buckle up Buttercups, we’re adding one more to this crazy bunch.”

From Los Angeles Times

One part of the convoy’s mission will be to deliver Yuletide gifts to the fishermen and soldiers stationed in the region.

From Washington Times