christmas: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, formal, religious, commercial
Quick answer
What does “christmas” mean?
A Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, traditionally observed on December 25.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, traditionally observed on December 25.
A secular cultural holiday period in late December centered around gift-giving, family gatherings, decorated trees, and festive meals.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor spelling variations in compounds ('Father Christmas' is more common UK, 'Santa Claus' more common US). 'Christmas dinner' timing differs: UK often midday, US often evening.
Connotations
Both share core religious and secular meanings. In the UK, 'Boxing Day' (Dec 26) is a strong part of the holiday period. In the US, cultural focus is intensely on Dec 25 itself.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “christmas” in a Sentence
At Christmas (e.g., 'We see them at Christmas'), Over Christmas (e.g., 'We're staying over Christmas'), For Christmas (e.g., 'A gift for Christmas')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “christmas” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They decided to Christmas in Cornwall this year.
- We're Christmasing with the in-laws.
American English
- They're going to Christmas at their grandparents' ranch.
- We Christmased in New York last year.
adverb
British English
- They arrived home Christmas morning.
- The letter was dated Christmas Eve.
American English
- We'll open gifts Christmas morning.
- It happened Christmas night.
adjective
British English
- The Christmas pudding was delicious.
- She wore a lovely Christmas jumper.
American English
- We put up the Christmas decorations.
- He got a new Christmas sweater.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to seasonal sales, marketing campaigns ('Christmas promotions'), office closures, and bonuses.
Academic
Studied historically, anthropologically, or theologically; as a cultural phenomenon.
Everyday
Planning gatherings, shopping, decorating, wishing people well.
Technical
Rare. Could appear in logistics (Christmas supply chain) or lighting (Christmas tree lights specifications).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “christmas”
- Incorrect capitalisation (Christmas, not christmas). Using 'on' instead of 'at' ('at Christmas' for the period). Incorrect pluralisation ('Christmases' is correct for multiple years).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct. 'Merry Christmas' is more common globally, especially in American English. 'Happy Christmas' is common in the UK, often considered slightly more formal.
'Xmas' is an informal abbreviation of 'Christmas'. The 'X' comes from the Greek letter Chi, an early Christian symbol for Christ. It is not disrespectful in modern usage but is considered casual.
Yes, though it's informal. To 'Christmas' somewhere means to spend the Christmas holiday there (e.g., 'We Christmased in Paris').
The standard plural is 'Christmases' (e.g., 'Many happy Christmases'). 'Christmasses' is an older, less common variant.
A Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, traditionally observed on December 25.
Christmas is usually informal, formal, religious, commercial in register.
Christmas: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɪsməs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrɪsməs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'Tis the season”
- “Christmas comes but once a year”
- “Like turkeys voting for Christmas”
- “A Christmas tree bill (US political slang)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CHRIST' + 'MAS' (Mass). The 'Mass of Christ'.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHRISTMAS IS A CONTAINER (e.g., 'over Christmas'), CHRISTMAS IS A GIFT (e.g., 'Christmas came early'), CHRISTMAS IS LIGHT (e.g., 'lights of Christmas').
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase is typically used to describe the feeling of goodwill associated with the season?