SELECT * from dictionary_eng WHERE word = "festive" OR word = "Festive" OR word = "Festive" festive | Definition of festive
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festive

adjective
fes·​tive | \ ˈfe-stiv How to pronounce festive (audio) \

Definition of festive

1 : of, relating to, or suitable for a feast or festival a festive occasion The house looks festive during the holidays.
2 : joyful, gay a festive mood
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Other Words from festive

festively adverb
festiveness noun

Examples of festive in a Sentence

The house looks very festive during the holidays. She was in a festive mood. The reunion will be a festive occasion.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Below, a few festive ideas to add to your itinerary. — Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, "Things to Do in London At Christmas Time," 15 Aug. 2019 The first trailer for Last Christmas is out, and people are already excited about how festive the Mother of Dragons looks in a romantic Christmas comedy. — Time, "Festive Emilia Clarke Is Already Getting People in the Christmas Spirit," 14 Aug. 2019 The festive season of Dusshera and Diwali, around which time consumers generally loosen their purse strings, is also due in October. — Kuwar Singh, Quartz India, "India’s automobile slowdown is trickling down to a host of allied sectors," 14 Aug. 2019 Characters include favorites like Luke Skywalker and Chewbacca, and even a festive Porg, complete with a tiny Santa hat. — Christina Butan, EW.com, "LEGO’s new Harry Potter and Star Wars advent calendars are finally here with over 200 pieces each," 9 Aug. 2019 From festive to mayhem In separate interviews this week, Ota-Matthews and Gaus described the events leading up to the attack, which found them atop a bounce-house slide near where the shooter opened fire after 5 p.m. Sunday. — Nick Ibarra, The Mercury News, "Santa Cruz co-workers shot at Gilroy Garlic Festival speak out," 2 Aug. 2019 For 17 years, the event drew thousands of music fans in festive outfits to the park, providing an economic boost to area businesses. — Johnny Diaz, sun-sentinel.com, "Ultra Music Festival, returning to Miami’s Bayfront Park, announces 2020 dates," 1 Aug. 2019 Enjoy a festive holiday meal, take part in the gingerbread decorating competition, fill the stockings hanging in your luxury home, and decorate your included Christmas tree (or the resort will handle it for you). — Candice Yacono, Orange County Register, "Where is paradise? Right near Missoula, Montana," 29 July 2019 The shop will sell ornaments, including a 'Santa on a motorcycle' model available for £45 ($55), as well as other decorations, Christmas trees and a variety of festive stationery. — Amy Woodyatt, CNN, "UK department store Selfridges opens Christmas shop ... in July," 29 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'festive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of festive

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for festive

Latin festivus, from festum

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More Definitions for festive

festive

adjective
How to pronounce festive (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of festive

: cheerful and exciting : suited to a celebration or holiday
British : of or relating to Christmas

See the full definition for festive in the English Language Learners Dictionary

festive

adjective
fes·​tive | \ ˈfe-stiv How to pronounce festive (audio) \

Kids Definition of festive

1 : having to do with a feast or festival
2 : very merry and joyful festive decorations

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