adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of festive
First recorded in 1645–55; from Latin festīvus “merry, lively, joyous,” equivalent to festus “festal” + -īvus -ive
Explanation
Festive describes an event that’s full of joy, smiles, and excitement. A birthday party without presents, decorations, or friends would be the opposite of festive. People having a great time — that’s a sure sign that the occasion is festive. An awesome party, New Year’s Eve, the last day of school, Fridays: happy times where the air feels electric, that’s festive. It can also describe your mood, like when you feel full of energy and ready to dance. Sharing the same Latin root (festivus) as the words festival and feast, festive events often involve good food and great people. And a piñata always helps.
Vocabulary lists containing festive
Joy To The Word: Christmas Terms
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Emotions on Display
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The Help
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Halloween season is arguably the most festive time of year in Los Angeles.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026
The couple’s decision to spend the festive season together with her family marked an indication that their relationship was growing more serious.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 23, 2026
Below is what executives revealed about their shoppers and expectations for the festive season ahead.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 15, 2026
How ironic that festive activities that were once natural products of the season have been turned into Instagram opportunities.
From Salon ● Sep. 14, 2026
Hints like the stories he sometimes told about the Colonies and their glittering cities, their advanced technology and festive holidays.
From "Legend" by Marie Lu
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
