anniversary

noun

an·​ni·​ver·​sa·​ry ˌa-nə-ˈvərs-rē How to pronounce anniversary (audio)
-ˈvər-sə-
plural anniversaries
1
: the annual recurrence of a date marking a notable event
a wedding anniversary
broadly : a date that follows such an event by a specified period of time measured in units other than years
the 6-month anniversary of the accident
2
: the celebration of an anniversary

Examples of anniversary in a Sentence

the anniversary of the invasion The exhibit will close on the 100th anniversary of the artist's death.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The news comes a few months before their third wedding anniversary, in August. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 8 July 2026 The update comes a few months after Spotify celebrated its 20th anniversary. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 8 July 2026 Brianna Ingels wrote in one of the fundraisers that the couple recently celebrated their third wedding anniversary. — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026 The first winner will be named on July 6th of 2027, coinciding with the 120th anniversary of Kahlo’s birth. — News Desk, Artforum, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for anniversary

Word History

Etymology

Middle English anniversarie, from Medieval Latin anniversarium, from Latin, neuter of anniversarius returning annually, from annus year + versus, past participle of vertere to turn — more at annual, worth

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of anniversary was in the 13th century

Rhymes for anniversary

See All Rhymes for anniversary

Browse Nearby Words

Anniston
anniversary
anniversary clock
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Anniversary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anniversary. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

anniversary

noun
an·​ni·​ver·​sa·​ry ˌan-ə-ˈvərs-(ə-)rē How to pronounce anniversary (audio)
plural anniversaries
1
a
: the annual return of the date of a special event
b
: a date that follows such an event by a specified period of time
the 6-month anniversary of the accident
2
: the celebration of an anniversary
Etymology

Middle English anniversarie "anniversary," from Latin anniversarium (same meaning), literally "turning of the year," from annus "year" and versus "turned," from vertere "to turn" — related to converse, universe, versatile

More from Merriam-Webster on anniversary

Nglish: Translation of anniversary for Spanish Speakers

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