How Do You Spell CHRISTMAS?

Pronunciation: [kɹˈɪsməs] (IPA)

Christmas is a festival celebrated by Christians around the world. The word "Christmas" is pronounced as /ˈkrɪsməs/. The first syllable of the word is "kris", pronounced with a short "i" sound. The "t" is silent. The second syllable is "mas", pronounced with a short "a" sound. In spelling, "Christmas" begins with the letter "c", followed by "h" and "r". The word means "Christ's Mass" and is derived from the Old English word "Cristes maesse".

CHRISTMAS Meaning and Definition

  1. Christmas is an annual festival observed on December 25th, which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, as celebrated by Christians around the world. The term "Christmas" originated from the Middle English word "Cristemasse," which was derived from the Old English phrase "Cristes Mæsse," meaning "Christ's Mass." As one of the most widely recognized and celebrated holidays globally, Christmas holds both religious and cultural significance.

    As a religious holiday, Christmas marks the incarnation of Jesus, the Son of God, in Christian theology. It is the occasion to remember his birth, acknowledging him as the savior and redeemer of humanity. The traditional customs associated with Christmas vary across cultures but generally encompass attending church services, engaging in prayer, displaying creches or nativity scenes, and singing hymns or carols.

    Christmas is also commonly associated with various secular traditions and customs that have developed over the centuries. Such practices include exchanging gifts, decorating homes and public spaces with Christmas trees, wreaths, and lights, feasting, and preparing special meals. Santa Claus, a legendary figure based on the historical figure of Saint Nicholas, is a significant cultural symbol associated with Christmas, particularly in Western cultures, bestowing gifts to children.

    Furthermore, Christmas has become a time for families and friends to come together, fostering a sense of warmth and togetherness during the winter season. It is often characterized by joyous celebrations, festivities, and goodwill towards others. From a broader cultural perspective, Christmas has transcended its religious origins to become a widely celebrated and cherished holiday that promotes love, compassion, and unity among individuals of diverse backgrounds.

  2. The festival of Christ's nativity on the 25th December; Christmas season, from 25th December to 6th January; christmas-box, a box in which little presents of money, &c., are collected at Christmas; the present itself.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for CHRISTMAS *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for CHRISTMAS

Etymology of CHRISTMAS

The word "Christmas" originates from the Old English word "Cristesmæsse", which means "Christ's Mass". It combines "Crist" (Christ) and "mæsse" (Mass), referring to the religious celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Over time, "Cristesmæsse" evolved into "Christemasse" in Middle English, eventually becoming "Christmas" as we know it today.

Idioms with the word CHRISTMAS

  • Christmas tree The idiom "Christmas tree" typically refers to a person or thing that is excessively elaborated, adorned, or decorated, often to the point of being excessive, gaudy, or overdone. It implies something that is showy or ostentatious, similar to the extravagant ornamentation of a Christmas tree.
  • cancel (one's) Christmas The idiom "cancel (one's) Christmas" is an expression used to convey the idea of completely ruining or destroying someone's plans, expectations, or hopes. It implies that the person's situation will be severely worsened or drastically changed, similar to the disappointment of having one's Christmas canceled.
  • cancel someone's Christmas The idiom "cancel someone's Christmas" is a colloquial expression used to imply a severe punishment or threat of harm towards someone. It suggests an intention to eliminate or terminate someone's existence or well-being, often in a metaphorical sense.
  • Christmas comes but once a year The idiom "Christmas comes but once a year" means that Christmas is a special and highly anticipated occasion that occurs only once annually. It highlights the idea that people should fully embrace and enjoy the holiday season because it is a limited opportunity that should not be taken for granted. Additionally, it implies that people should make the most of the festive spirit, traditions, and celebrations associated with Christmas while they can, as they will have to wait another year to experience it again.
  • Christmas disease The idiom "Christmas disease" refers to a hereditary bleeding disorder known as hemophilia B. It is called Christmas disease because the first case was reported in a patient named Stephen Christmas. Hemophilia B is characterized by a deficiency in clotting factor IX, which results in prolonged or excessive bleeding.
  • cancel someone’s Christmas The idiom "cancel someone's Christmas" is a colloquial expression that means to eliminate or eradicate someone or something, typically with a negative connotation. It suggests the idea of completely getting rid of someone's existence or presence, figuratively likening it to canceling the celebration of Christmas, a significant holiday in many cultures.
  • Christmas graduate The idiom "Christmas graduate" refers to a person who completes their studies or graduates from an educational institution during the Christmas season, typically in December. It may also refer to someone who finishes a specific program or course around the holiday season.
  • like turkeys voting for Christmas The idiom "like turkeys voting for Christmas" refers to a situation where individuals willingly vote for or support something that ultimately leads to their own downfall or disadvantage. It often implies a lack of awareness or self-interest in making choices that are detrimental to one's own well-being.
  • like turkeys voting for (an early) Christmas The idiom "like turkeys voting for (an early) Christmas" refers to situations where individuals or groups willingly support or participate in events or decisions that ultimately lead to their own downfall or detriment. It implies a lack of awareness, understanding, or self-interest, as turkeys would unknowingly choose a holiday that traditionally involves their own slaughter. It emphasizes the paradoxical or self-destructive nature of certain choices or actions.
  • cancel sm's Christmas The idiom "cancel sm's Christmas" refers to ruining or completely spoiling someone's plans or expectations, typically in a very dramatic or extreme way. It implies a severe and irreversible negative impact on someone's anticipated event or celebration, leaving them disappointed or devastated.
  • Christmas tree bill The idiom "Christmas tree bill" refers to a type of legislation, usually a government spending bill, that has been adorned or embellished with numerous additional amendments or provisions, often unrelated to the main purpose of the bill. Like ornaments on a Christmas tree, these amendments are added to attract support or as a result of political negotiations. This term is often used to describe bills that are filled with various unrelated provisions, resulting in a cluttered or overloaded bill.
  • merry Christmas!

Similar spelling words for CHRISTMAS

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