carnival
UK: ˈkɑːnɪv(ə)l | US: ˈkɑːrnɪv(ə)l
n. a public celebration or festival, typically involving processions, music, and entertainment
n. a traveling amusement show or fair
n. (figurative) a lively or chaotic scene or activity
carnival = carn<flesh> + ival<noun suffix>
- carn (from Latin caro/carnis, meaning "flesh")
- ival (derived from Latin -valere, meaning "to remove" or "to say farewell," but reinterpreted as a noun-forming suffix in this context)
Etymology Origin:
The word "carnival" originates from the Latin phrase carne vale, meaning "farewell to flesh." It historically referred to the festive period before Lent, when people indulged in meat and rich foods before the fasting season. Over time, the term broadened to describe any exuberant public celebration, often with parades and costumes. The morpheme carn preserves its Latin root meaning "flesh," while ival evolved into a suffix marking the festive context.
The city's annual carnival features colorful floats and live music.
We enjoyed cotton candy and games at the traveling carnival.
The office turned into a carnival during the holiday party.
Rio de Janeiro is famous for its vibrant Carnival celebrations.
The children’s laughter made the park feel like a carnival.