/fes"teuh veuhl/ , n.
1. a day or time of religious or other celebration, marked by feasting, ceremonies, or other observances: the festival of Christmas; a Roman festival.
2. a periodic commemoration, anniversary, or celebration: an annual strawberry festival.
3. a period or program of festive activities, cultural events, or entertainment: a music festival.
4. gaiety; revelry; merrymaking.
adj.
5. festal: a festival atmosphere of unrestrained joy.
[ 1300-50; ME festivalis ( dies ) holy (day). See FESTIVE, -AL 1 ]