christmas

Christ-mas · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The annual Christian festival celebrating Christ's birth, held on December 25.

  2. 2.

    The period around December 25.

Forms

plural: Christmases

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    Merry Christmas — traditional greeting
  • •
    Christmas Eve — December 24
  • •
    Christmas Day — December 25
  • •
    Christmas tree — decorated evergreen tree
  • •
    White Christmas — Christmas with snow
  • •
    Christmas spirit — festive goodwill
  • •
    like Christmas came early — an unexpected good fortune

Related words

See also: celebration, christ, easter, holiday
Synonyms: Xmas, Yule, noel

Etymology

From Old English "Cristes mæsse" meaning Christ's mass, referring to the religious service celebrating the birth of Jesus.