noun
festival
FES-tih-vul/ˈfestɪvl/
An organized celebration of a shared occasion or interest.
The annual music festival brings local bands together in the park.
Etymology
The adjective festivalis described something belonging to a church holiday. English shortened “festival day” to “festival,” making a description of a celebratory day into the name of the celebration itself.
In context
The festival is one of the celebrations of Vietnamese culture. The fruit is displayed on the altar to offer incense and remember our origins.
More examples
- Our town holds a fall festival to celebrate the harvest.
- Families prepare special meals for the religious festival.
- Several film festivals feature movies by first-time directors.
Forms
festival · festivals
festive adjective — Showing or creating a joyful, celebratory mood.
Similar words
- celebration
- Broader term that also includes private parties and informal observances.
- fair
- Usually emphasizes booths, exhibits, sales, or rides rather than performances.