nativity
noun
na·tiv·i·ty
nə-ˈti-və-tē 
nā-
plural nativities
1
: the process or circumstances of being born : birth
especially,
Nativity
: the birth of Jesus
2
: a horoscope at or of the time of one's birth
3
: the place of origin
Did you know?
Nativity is one of many words born of the Latin verb nāscī, which means “to be born.” The gestation of the word was a long one. Nāscī developed in Late Latin into nativitas, meaning “birth,” which passed through Anglo-French as nativité before entering English in the 14th century. Nativity has many siblings and cousins in our language; other terms of the lineage of nāscī include nature, innate, nascent, native, and renaissance.
Examples of nativity in a Sentence
my father and grandparents were proud observers of my nativity
Recent Examples on the Web
The merrymaking vibes are cemented with a glowing carousel, nativity scenes (belénes), and loads of handcrafted ornaments and gifts to choose from.
—
Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 20 Nov. 2024
Christmas in Davidson What to expect: Holiday light shows, a live nativity, live music, great food and holiday shopping in the town of Davidson.
—Alexis Clinton, Axios, 19 Nov. 2024
If episode three gave us Alfonso Cuarón’s Pietà, this is his nativity.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
More than 100 stalls sell their wares at Plaza Mayor Christmas Market, welcoming travelers in to peruse nativity scene figures, children’s toys, and playful trinkets to take home.
—Connor Sturges, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2024
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Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 20 Nov. 2024
Christmas in Davidson What to expect: Holiday light shows, a live nativity, live music, great food and holiday shopping in the town of Davidson.
—Alexis Clinton, Axios, 19 Nov. 2024
If episode three gave us Alfonso Cuarón’s Pietà, this is his nativity.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
More than 100 stalls sell their wares at Plaza Mayor Christmas Market, welcoming travelers in to peruse nativity scene figures, children’s toys, and playful trinkets to take home.
—Connor Sturges, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for nativity
Dictionary Entries Near nativity
Cite this Entry
“Nativity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nativity. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
nativity
noun
na·tiv·i·ty
nə-ˈtiv-ət-ē
nā-
plural nativities
1
capitalized
: the birth of Jesus
2
: the time, place, or manner of being born : birth
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