Birthday: meaning, definitions and examples

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birthday

 

[ ˈbɜːθ.deɪ ]

Context #1 | Noun

celebration

The anniversary of the day on which a person was born, typically involving the giving of gifts, the sending of cards, and the enjoyment of a party or meal.

Synonyms

anniversary, celebration.

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Word Description / Examples
birthday

It refers to the annual celebration of the day someone was born. Mostly used in personal and informal contexts, often involving family and friends.

  • We are throwing a big party for John's birthday next week.
  • Did you get an invitation to Mary's birthday celebration?
anniversary

It is used to commemorate the date of a significant event that occurred in the past, like a wedding, the founding of a company, or another important event. This term can be used both in personal and formal contexts.

  • They are celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary this weekend.
  • The company is planning a grand event for its 50th anniversary.
celebration

A broad term referring to any event or activity designed to honor or enjoy a special occasion. This can be used in various contexts, including birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and other significant milestones.

  • The town is having a grand celebration for the national holiday.
  • The graduation celebration lasted all night.

Examples of usage

  • Her birthday is next week.
  • We are having a birthday party for him.
Context #2 | Noun

age

The day of a person's birth or the anniversary of that day.

Synonyms

date of birth, natal day.

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Word Description / Examples
birthday

Commonly used to refer to the anniversary of the day someone's life began. Appropriate in casual, informal, and formal settings.

  • It's my birthday today! Happy birthday, Sarah!

Examples of usage

  • He never celebrates his birthday.
  • On my birthday, I like to reflect on the past year.
Context #3 | Noun

cake

A cake made to celebrate someone's birthday, typically with candles on top representing the person's age.

Synonyms

cake, celebratory cake.

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Word Description / Examples
birthday

Use this word to refer to the anniversary of someone's birth. It is commonly used to describe the occasion or the day itself.

  • We are planning a big party for Janet's birthday.
  • My birthday is on the 5th of September.
cake

Use this word when referring to a sweet baked good that is often served on special occasions. It is a general term and can be used for all types of cakes, not just those for birthdays.

  • She baked a delicious chocolate cake.
  • Would you like some cake for dessert?
celebratory cake

Use this phrase when referring to a cake made specifically to celebrate an occasion. It implies a special or festive reason for the cake, such as a birthday, anniversary, or achievement celebration.

  • We ordered a celebratory cake for the office party.
  • The team enjoyed a celebratory cake after the successful project completion.

Examples of usage

  • She baked a birthday cake for her friend.
  • The children blew out the candles on the birthday cake.

Translations

Translations of the word "birthday" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aniversário

🇮🇳 जन्मदिन

🇩🇪 Geburtstag

🇮🇩 ulang tahun

🇺🇦 день народження

🇵🇱 urodziny

🇯🇵 誕生日

🇫🇷 anniversaire

🇪🇸 cumpleaños

🇹🇷 doğum günü

🇰🇷 생일

🇸🇦 عيد ميلاد

🇨🇿 narozeniny

🇸🇰 narodeniny

🇨🇳 生日

🇸🇮 rojstni dan

🇮🇸 afmæli

🇰🇿 туған күн

🇬🇪 დაბადების დღე

🇦🇿 ad günü

🇲🇽 cumpleaños

Etymology

The word 'birthday' dates back to the late 14th century, derived from the Middle English 'birthe' meaning the act of giving birth. Over time, it evolved to refer to the anniversary of the day on which a person was born. The tradition of celebrating birthdays with cakes, candles, and gifts has been observed in various cultures for centuries, symbolizing the joy of another year of life.

See also: birth, birthplace, rebirth.