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ODEgaiety

gaiety

Flag: gbEnglishOxford Dictionary of English

gaiety /ˈɡeɪɪti / (US English also gayety)
noun
(plural gaieties)
[mass noun] the state or quality of being light-hearted or cheerful:
the sudden gaiety of children's laughter.
lively celebration or festivities:
he seemed to be a part of the gaiety, having a wonderful time.
(gaieties) dated entertainments or amusements:
people long for the enchantments and gaieties of the European cities.
– PHRASES
the gaiety of nations British English often ironic
general cheerfulness or amusement:
editors added to the gaiety of nations by suing each other.
– ORIGIN late 16th century: from French gaieté, from gai (see gay).