# nativity

/nəˈtɪvəti/ (US) · /nɐtˈɪvɪti/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/nativity
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

the birth of a person, especially the birth of Jesus Christ. It often refers to the story or a play about this event.

For teachers: the occasion of a person's birth; specifically, the birth of Jesus Christ. Often used to refer to artistic or theatrical representations of the biblical birth narrative.

## Examples

- The children are practicing for the school nativity play.
- Every December, the town square features a large nativity scene with wooden figures of the holy family.
- Renaissance painters often focused on the nativity as a central theme, using light and shadow to emphasize the divinity of the newborn child within a humble stable setting.

## Usage notes

- Capitalized as 'the Nativity' when referring specifically to the birth of Jesus; lowercase for the general concept of birth.

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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.