-fest \ˌfest\noun combining form (-s) Etymology: German fest festival, holiday, from Middle High German vest, from Latin festum, from neuter of festus solemn, festal — more at feast 1.: festive gathering especially for competition < shootingfest > < turnerfest > < songfest > 2.: session often informal or spontaneous < gabfest > : outburst of activity < slugfest >