English Explanatory Dictionary

Xmas

English dictionary entry

Meanings

name
  1. Abbreviation of Christmas.
verb
  1. Abbreviation of Christmas.
noun
  1. plural of XMA
noun
  1. Alternative form of Xmas.

Pronunciation

krĭs'məs ĕks'məs /ˈkɹɪs.məs/ /ˈɛks.məs/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-Xmas.wav

Word forms

Xmas Xmases Xmasses X'mas X-mas Xms Xtmas Xmass Xmasing Xmassing Xmased Xmassed

Etymology

Attested in this form since 1755, and preceded by earlier forms such as X'temmas (1551) and Old English Χp̃es mæssa (1100), from Cristes mæsse, with abbreviation of Cristes by the symbol X, orthographic borrowing from Ancient Greek Χ (Kh, letter chi), from Χριστός (Khristós, “Christ”). By surface analysis, X (“Christ”) + -mas (“holiday”). In popular use since late 19th century. See Wikipedia for more information.

Derived words

Father Xmas merry Xmas Mother Xmas Xmas Day Xmas Island Xmas tree
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