carnival — A public festival involving processions, music, dancing, and the use of masquerade
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A public festival involving processions, music, dancing, and the use of masquerade
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkɑːrnɪvl/
Example Sentences
- My diet plan went completely wrong at the carnival - I ate cotton candy, corn dogs, and funnel cake!
- The annual school carnival features games, rides, and food booths.
- She lost her mask in the carnival crowd and spent the whole night looking like a confused tourist.
carnival
NOUN[/ˈkɑːrnɪvl/]
A public festival involving processions, music, dancing, and the use of masquerade

Festive carnival parade with costumes and music

The carnival filled the city with color and celebration. (COLOR + FESTIVAL = CARNIVAL → a colorful public celebration)

Spring's arrival brings the carnival's revival!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Carnival derives from Medieval Latin 'carne vale', literally meaning 'flesh, farewell.' The term emerged in Christian tradition to describe the festive period before Lent, when believers consumed meat and indulged in merriment before the forty-day period of abstinence and fasting.
Breakdown
carne (Latin: meat/flesh) + vale (Latin: farewell/goodbye), originally a phrase marking the final consumption of meat before Lenten observance.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My diet plan went completely wrong at the carnival - I ate cotton candy, corn dogs, and funnel cake!”
“The annual school carnival features games, rides, and food booths.”
“She lost her mask in the carnival crowd and spent the whole night looking like a confused tourist.”
“The Brazilian carnival is celebrated with samba music and elaborate costumes.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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