View synonyms for Christmas

Christmas

[ kris-muhs ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the annual festival of the Christian church commemorating the birth of Jesus: celebrated on December 25 and now generally observed as a legal holiday and, for many, an occasion for exchanging gifts.
Christmastime.
Christmastide.

adjective

of or relating to Christmas; made or displayed for Christmas: a Christmas movie for the whole family.
six batches of Christmas cookies;
a Christmas movie for the whole family.

Christmas

/ ˈkrɪsməs /

noun

1. the annual commemoration by Christians of the birth of Jesus Christ on Dec 25
2. Also calledChristmas Day Dec 25, observed as a day of secular celebrations when gifts and greetings are exchanged
3. ( as modifier )
  Christmas celebrations
Also calledChristmas Day (in England, Wales and Ireland) Dec 25, one of the four quarter days Compare Lady Day Midsummer's Day Michaelmas
Also calledChristmastide the season of Christmas extending from Dec 24 (Christmas Eve) to Jan 6 (the festival of the Epiphany or Twelfth Night)

Christmas

A festival commemorating the birth of Jesus , traditionally celebrated on December 25 by most Western Christian churches . Although dating to probably as early as a.d. 200, the feast of Christmas did not become widespread until the Middle Ages . Today, Christmas is largely secularized and dominated by gifts, decorated trees, and a jolly Santa Claus.

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Other Words From

Christ·mas·sy Christ·mas·y adjective
post-Christ·mas adjective
pre-Christ·mas adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of Christmas¹

First recorded before 1050; Middle English cristmas(se); Old English Cristes mǣsse Mass of Christ

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Word History and Origins

Origin of Christmas¹

Old English Crīstes mæsse Mass of Christ

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Example Sentences

Whether you were naughty or nice, if you never received your stimulus check in 2021, you are eligible for the Christmas cash infusion.

From Los Angeles Times

The couple were travelling in Australia over Christmas when they received an email from the Home Office, detailing the offence and fine.

From BBC

Hours, even weeks, race by in the seconds Holland takes to walk from one set to another; later, a shot of Halloween stars melts into an image of Christmas snow.

From Los Angeles Times

The only Christmas you spent together was at our house.

From BBC

Six days before Christmas Mr Sutherland posted a "final announcement" on social media and was last seen near the Queensferry Crossing.

From BBC

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