ˈfestiv, -tēv also -təv adjective
Etymology: Latin festivus, from festum festival, feast + -ivus -ive — more at -fest
1. : of, belonging to, or befitting a feast, festival, or other celebration
banqueting merrily round the festive board
raise the flag on public holidays and other festive occasions
a set of diamond … cuff buttons for festive wear — Ring Lardner
2. : of or marked by gaiety, conviviality, or revelry : joyous , merry , sportive
came across the floor with a festive stride — Theodore Dreiser
a festive party of sailors and girls at the next table
• fes·tive·ly -tə̇vlē, -li adverb
• fes·tive·ness -tivnə̇s, -tēv- also -təv- noun -es