festival

[fes-tuh-vuhl]

noun

1. a day or time of religious or other celebration, marked by feasting, ceremonies, or other observances.

   the festival of Christmas; a Roman festival.

2. a periodic commemoration, anniversary, or celebration.

   an annual strawberry festival.

3. a period or program of festive activities, cultural events, or entertainment.

   a music festival.

4. gaiety; revelry; merrymaking.

adjective

1. festal.

   a festival atmosphere of unrestrained joy.

festival

/ ˈfɛstɪvəl /

noun

1. a day or period set aside for celebration or feasting, esp one of religious significance

2. any occasion for celebration, esp one which commemorates an anniversary or other significant event

3. an organized series of special events and performances, usually in one place

   a festival of drama

4. archaic,  a time of revelry; merrymaking

5. (modifier) relating to or characteristic of a festival

Other Word Forms

• prefestival noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of festival¹

1300–50; Middle English < Medieval Latin fēstivālis ( diēs ) holy (day). See festive, -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of festival¹

C14: from Church Latin fēstivālis of a feast, from Latin festīvus _festive

Example Sentences

Nothing says “awards season” like a fall film festival.

From Los Angeles Times

The video shows Mr Gilboa-Dalal, who was seized from the Nova festival in southern Israel, pleading for his release.

From BBC

She cited festivals in mission towns, such as Santa Barbara’s Old Spanish Days Fiesta, where people dress up like the Californios of yore to remember a romanticized era that was destined to end badly.

From Los Angeles Times

Though none of them had their world premieres at the festival, last year’s winners “Anora,” The Brutalist,” “Emilia Pérez,” “Conclave,” “Flow,” “I’m Still Here,” “The Substance” and “No Other Land” all played there.

From Los Angeles Times

We've collated everything you need to know about the festival, for those going to the event or following from home.

From BBC

Related Words

• anniversary 
• commemoration 
• competition 
• fair 
• feast 
• gala 
• holiday