Christmastime
UK[ˈkrɪsməstaɪm]US[ˈkrɪsməstaɪm]
n
The period of time around and including Christmas Day.
Morpheme Breakdown
Christmastime = Christmas
time
Christmastime = Christmas
the Christian festival
time
a period
Etymology
The word is a transparent modern English compound, formed by directly combining 'Christmas' and 'time'. 'Christmas' itself originates from the Old English term for the religious feast day celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. 'Time', a fundamental concept in Germanic languages, denotes a measured or measurable period. The compound 'Christmastime' therefore logically denotes the specific seasonal period associated with the celebration of Christmas, extending beyond the single day to encompass the surrounding festive season.
Analysis
Structure: Christmastime = Christmas (the Christian festival) + time (a period)
- Christmas: From Old English Cristes mæsse (Christ's mass). A compound of 'Christ' (from Greek Khristos, meaning 'anointed one') and 'mass' (a religious service).
- time: From Old English tīma, meaning a period, season, or interval. Of Germanic origin.
Examples
The city is beautifully decorated throughout Christmastime.
Many people travel to be with family during Christmastime.
Christmastime always brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia.