anniversary

[an-uh-vur-suh-ree]

noun

plural

anniversaries 

1. the yearly recurrence of the date of a past event.

   the tenth anniversary of their marriage.

2. the celebration or commemoration of such a date.

3. wedding anniversary.

adjective

1. returning or recurring each year; annual.

2. pertaining to an anniversary: anniv.

   an anniversary gift.

anniversary

/ ˌænɪˈvɜːsərɪ /

noun

1. the date on which an event occurred in some previous year

   a wedding anniversary

2. the celebration of this

adjective

1. of or relating to an anniversary

2. recurring every year, esp on the same date

Word History and Origins

Origin of anniversary¹

1200–50; Middle English anniversarie (< Anglo-French ) < Medieval Latin ( diēs ) anniversāria anniversary (day), Latin anniversārius recurring yearly, equivalent to anni- (combining form of annus year) + vers ( us ) turned, past participle of vertere ( vert- turn + -tus past participle suffix) + -ārius -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of anniversary¹

C13: from Latin anniversārius returning every year, from annus year + vertere to turn

Example Sentences

But it was unsettling enough to make her book an impromptu flight to Dubai to continue celebrating her wedding anniversary there instead.

From BBC

“The grounds are beautiful and the ocean views are incredible. My wife and I have been returning to this location for over six years. We love sharing our anniversary dinner at sunset from here.”

From Los Angeles Times

Moore's death came just days after the 50th anniversary of her attempt.

From BBC

The show is now streamed across the world six nights a week, but Friday's historic 100th anniversary performance in London will be the first time the Opry has left the United States.

From BBC

The event will celebrate the 60th anniversary of The Beatles’ “Rubber Soul,” and she famously covered “If I Needed Someone” for the album’s 40th anniversary tribute.

From Salon

Related Words

• ceremony 
• commemoration 
• festival 
• holiday 
• jubilee