Christmas
noun
Christ·mas ˈkris-məs 
often attributive
1
: a Christian feast on December 25 or among some Eastern Orthodox Christians on January 7 that commemorates the birth of Christ and is usually observed as a legal holiday
2
: christmastide
Christmassy adjective
or Christmasy
ˈkris-mə-sē
Example Sentences
We're spending Christmas with my parents. We had a very happy Christmas this year. I wish you all a merry Christmas.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English Christemasse, from Old English Cristes mæsse, literally, Christ's mass
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing Christmas
Kids Definition
Christmas
noun
Christ·mas ˈkris-məs
: December 25 celebrated in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ
Christmas
noun
as in Advent
a Christian holiday that is celebrated on December 25 in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ or the period of time that comes before and after this holiday We're spending Christmas with my parents. Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- Advent
- nativity
- yule
- Xmas
- yuletide
- Christmastime
- Christmastide
- Noel