merrymaking

American  

[mer-ee-mey-king] / ˈmɛr iˌmeɪ kɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of taking part gaily or enthusiastically in some festive or merry celebration.

2. a merry festivity; revel.

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adjective

1. producing mirth; happy; festive.

merrymaking British  

/ ˈmɛrɪˌmeɪkɪŋ /

noun

1. fun, revelry, or festivity

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Other Word Forms

• merrymaker noun

Etymology

Origin of merrymaking

First recorded in 1705–15; merry + making

Example Sentences

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Thursday that Mr. Biden was returning to Washington to attend White House meetings and participate in holiday merrymaking before flying back at 8:55 p.m.

From Washington Times • Dec. 16, 2022

She added that people were so exhausted and there was no "merrymaking".

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2022

As Napoleon marched toward the city, Tolstoy writes, “it was long since there had been so much merrymaking in Moscow as there was that year.”

From Washington Post • Oct. 3, 2019

He said the P.D.C. should give players a long leash when it comes to onstage merrymaking.

From New York Times • Dec. 28, 2018

Mark Antony and Cleopatra divided their time between discussing military plans and tactics and enjoying the merrymaking in their honor.

From "Sterling Biographies®: Cleopatra: Egypt's Last and Greatest Queen" by Susan Blackaby