carnival

car-ni-val · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A public festival, typically held annually, involving processions, music, dancing, and often masks and costumes.

  2. 2.

    A traveling amusement show with rides, games, and sideshows.

  3. 3.

    The period of public celebration before Lent in Roman Catholic countries.

  4. 4.

    (figurative) A wild, exciting, or chaotic situation.

Forms

plural: carnivals

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    carnival atmosphere — a mood of excitement and celebration
  • •
    carnival ride — an amusement ride at a fair

Related words

See also: celebration, fair, festival, parade
Synonyms: celebration, fair, festival, fete

Etymology

From Italian "carnevale," from Medieval Latin "carnelevarium" meaning "removal of meat," from Latin "caro" (flesh) and "levare" (to remove), referring to the fasting period of Lent that follows.