# birthday

/ˈbɝθˌdeɪ/ (US) · /bˈɜːθdeɪ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/birthday
Updated: 2026-05-01

## Senses

### 1. anniversary of birth

noun · CEFR A1

the day each year that is the same date as the day you were born.

For teachers: the annual anniversary of the day on which a person was born.

- She received many cards and presents for her tenth birthday.
- Although he usually dislikes being the centre of attention, he agreed to a small family dinner to mark his fiftieth birthday.

Usage: often used with the verbs 'be', 'have', or 'celebrate'

### 2. a party

noun · CEFR A2 · Informal

a party or celebration for someone's birthday.

For teachers: a social gathering or celebratory event held to commemorate a birth anniversary.

- Are you coming to my birthday next Saturday night?
- The entire office was invited to the surprise birthday held in the staff lounge during the lunch hour.

### 3. founding anniversary

noun · CEFR B2

the anniversary of the day something like a company or country started.

For teachers: the anniversary of the day on which an institution, organization, or nation was established.

- The city is planning a huge parade for its 200th birthday.
- The university celebrated its centenary birthday with a series of lectures and a formal gala for alumni.

### 4. to celebrate

verb · CEFR C2 · Informal · Slang

to celebrate your birthday.

For teachers: to engage in festivities or activities associated with one's birth anniversary. Intransitive use.

- We are going to birthday in the city this weekend.
- The group decided to birthday in style by booking a private suite at the most expensive hotel in the district.

Usage: the verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.