christmastime: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumStandard, neutral. Common in written and spoken language. Slightly more formal or literary than 'Christmas season'.
Quick answer
What does “christmastime” mean?
The period of time during which Christmas is celebrated.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The period of time during which Christmas is celebrated; the Christmas season.
More broadly, the festive period encompassing late December, often associated with specific traditions, cultural practices, commercial activity, and a particular atmosphere of celebration and goodwill.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is nearly identical in both varieties. Spelling can vary as 'Christmastime' (closed compound) or 'Christmas time' (open compound), with the closed form being more common in American English and increasingly standard in British English.
Connotations
Equally positive and evocative in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher relative frequency in American English according to some corpora, but widely used and understood in both.
Grammar
How to Use “christmastime” in a Sentence
It is [adjective] at christmastime.During christmastime, people often [verb].The [noun] of christmastime.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “christmastime” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We always **christmastime**? (Note: This is not a standard verb. The word is exclusively a noun.)
American English
- They tried to **christmastime**? (Note: This is not a standard verb. The word is exclusively a noun.)
adverb
British English
- They shop christmastime? (Note: This is not a standard adverb. The word is exclusively a noun/adjective.)
American English
- We travel christmastime? (Note: This is not a standard adverb. The word is exclusively a noun/adjective.)
adjective
British English
- The christmastime rush was overwhelming.
- She loved the christmastime atmosphere.
American English
- Christmastime traffic is always heavy.
- It's a classic christmastime movie.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in retail, marketing, and hospitality contexts to refer to the peak commercial period (e.g., 'our christmastime sales projections').
Academic
Rare, except in cultural, historical, or sociological studies discussing holiday traditions.
Everyday
Very common in general conversation, media, and writing to refer to the period around Christmas.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “christmastime”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “christmastime”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “christmastime”
- Misspelling as 'Christmastime' (incorrect capitalisation in the middle of a sentence).
- Using it as an adjective (e.g., 'christmastime decorations' is accepted, but 'christmastimey' is non-standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are acceptable. 'Christmastime' as a single closed compound is more common in modern usage, especially in American English, and is often preferred in published writing.
Often, yes. In common usage, especially in phrases like 'the holiday season,' christmastime can loosely extend through New Year's Day, though its core focus is the Christmas celebration.
Yes, in an attributive sense (e.g., 'christmastime spirit,' 'christmastime sales'). It does not have comparative or superlative forms.
'Christmastime' is specifically centred on Christmas and its traditions. 'The holiday season' is broader and more inclusive in multicultural contexts, often encompassing Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's celebrations alongside Christmas.
The period of time during which Christmas is celebrated.
Christmastime is usually standard, neutral. common in written and spoken language. slightly more formal or literary than 'christmas season'. in register.
Christmastime: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɪsməstaɪm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrɪsməsˌtaɪm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"Tis the season" (derived from, and often used during, Christmastime).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of it as a single word: **Christmastime** is the *time* specifically for *Christmas*.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A CONTAINER (the period contains events, feelings, and traditions).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate definition of 'christmastime'?