VocabDictionary
🇬🇧English to EnglishChristmas[christmas]

christmas

/ˈkrɪsməs/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

An annual Christian festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration.

Example Sentences:
  • The children were excited to wake up and see what was under the tree on Christmas morning.
  • Christmas is a public holiday in many countries around the world.
2.noun

The period of time immediately before and after December 25, often characterized by festivities, gift-giving, and family gatherings.

Example Sentences:
  • We are planning to visit my grandparents over Christmas.
  • The city looks beautiful with all the decorations during the Christmas season.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “christmas”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Old English 'Crīstesmæsse', first recorded in 1038, which literally translates to 'Christ's Mass'. It is a compound of 'Christ' (from the Greek 'Christos', meaning 'Anointed One') and 'Mass' (from the Latin 'missa', referring to the Eucharistic service). While its origins are religious, the holiday has incorporated various pagan winter solstice traditions over centuries, such as the Yule log and greenery.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Remember the silent 't' by thinking of 'Christ's Mass' or 'Chris's Tree-mas'.

Frequently Asked Questions About “christmas

1. What is the meaning of “christmas” in English?

In English, christmas (noun) is defined as: “An annual Christian festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration.”.

2. How do you use “christmas” in a sentence?

The children were excited to wake up and see what was under the tree on Christmas morning.

3. What are English synonyms of “christmas”?

Common synonyms include:Yuletide,Noel,Xmas,the festive season,Yule

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “christmas”?

Derived from the Old English 'Crīstesmæsse', first recorded in 1038, which literally translates to 'Christ's Mass'. It is a compound of 'Christ' (from the Greek 'Christos', meaning 'Anointed One') and 'Mass' (from the Latin 'missa', referring to the Eucharistic service). While its origins are religious, the holiday has incorporated various pagan winter solstice traditions over centuries, such as the Yule log and greenery.