jubilee

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noun

ju·bi·lee ˈjü-bə-(ˌ)lē

ˌjü-bə-ˈlē

plural jubilees

Synonyms of jubilee next

: a special anniversary

especially : a 50th anniversary

: a celebration of such an anniversary

: jubilation

: a season of celebration

often Jubilee : a year of emancipation and restoration provided by ancient Hebrew law to be kept every 50 years by the emancipation of enslaved Hebrews, restoration of alienated lands to their former owners, and omission of all cultivation of the land

: a period of time proclaimed by the Roman Catholic pope ordinarily every 25 years as a time of special solemnity

: a special plenary indulgence granted during a year of jubilee to Roman Catholics who perform certain specified works of repentance and piety

: a religious song of African Americans usually referring to a time of future happiness

jubilee

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adjective

often capitalized

: flambé

cherries jubilee

Did you know?

According to Leviticus, every 50th year was to be a time when Hebrew slaves were set free, lands were given back to their former owners, and the fields were not harvested. This year of liberty was announced when a ram's horn was blown. In Hebrew, that ceremonial horn was called a yōbhēl, and the celebratory year took its name from that of the horn. As the Bible was translated into other languages, the concept of the yōbhēl spread around the world, as did its name (albeit with spelling modifications). In Latin, yōbhēl was transcribed as jubilaeus (influenced by Latin jubilare, meaning "to let out joyful shouts"). French-speakers adopted the word as jubilé, and English-speakers created jubilee from the French and Latin forms.

Example Sentences

Noun the town is planning a year-long jubilee in celebration of its founding 200 years ago

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Diamond jubilee: How to have a ball in London during the Cubs vs. Cardinals series If you’re headed to east London for the Cubs games — or at any time of the year, for that matter — bring along our guide to the best places to eat, drink, sleep and explore. —

Chicago Tribune Staff, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2023 Lumley previously appeared on Sky News’ broadcast of Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee last year. —

K.j. Yossman, Variety, 13 Apr. 2023 The palace did, however, release an emoji for the late Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee in the form of a cartoon corgi. —

Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 11 Apr. 2023 In the end, the balcony gathering was larger than for the jubilee, but Harry was not among the family members waving to the crowds. —

Marisa Bellack, Washington Post, 6 May 2023 Since 2011, there’s been two major jubilees, several big royal weddings and a once-in-a-generation state funeral. —

Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 2 May 2023 The chemistry between the melody and the vocalists make this song an irresistible groove that sets the tone right for that special dance under the maple tree during the couples set at your Juneteenth jubilee. —

Kevin L. Clark, Essence, 20 June 2020 Milestones are, of course, a moment to reflect, and the royal family has certainly embraced nostalgia in their tone around this jubilee. —

Victoria Murphy, Town & Country, 29 May 2022 Japanese cinema will also have an especially strong presence at FEFF’s silver jubilee. —

Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'jubilee.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French jubilé, from Late Latin jubilaeus, modification of Late Greek iōbēlaios, from Hebrew yōbhēl ram's horn, jubilee

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Adjective

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of jubilee was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century