Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

birthday

American  
[burth-dey] / ˈbɜrθˌdeɪ /

noun

  1. the anniversary of a birth.

  2. the day of a person's birth.

  3. a day marking or commemorating the origin, founding, or beginning of something.

  4. the festivities or celebration marking such a day or anniversary.


birthday British  
/ ˈbɜːθˌdeɪ /

noun

    1. an anniversary of the day of one's birth

    2. ( as modifier )

      birthday present

  1. the day on which a person was born

  2. any anniversary

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of birthday

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; birth, day

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.

Sascha Smith recalled one of the last things Marantos said before going into emergency surgery Friday was sorry to his daughter Naomi, 6, for missing her birthday Sunday.

From Los Angeles Times

Senior food editor Danielle Dorsey notes that the restaurant has a “casual and convivial” atmosphere, making it a fun place to host a birthday party, especially on a sunny day.

From Los Angeles Times

DHS told the broadcaster it was because she had turned 18 and needed to be moved to the adult section, though her birthday had passed months before without any action.

From Barron's

More than 60,000 greeting cards from all over the world have been delivered to a girl with cancer who wanted to break a world record on her eighth birthday.

From BBC

Epstein often sent her gifts, including for her birthday, even if they were late some years.

From The Wall Street Journal