saturnalia
noun
sat·ur·na·lia ˌsa-tər-ˈnāl-yə 
-ˈnā-lē-ə
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
1
capitalized : the festival of Saturn in ancient Rome beginning on December 17
2
singular, plural saturnalias also saturnalia
a
: an unrestrained often licentious celebration : orgy
b
: excess, extravagance
saturnalian
ˌsa-tər-ˈnāl-yən
adjective -ˈnā-lē-ən
saturnalianly adverb
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web This summer’s Matterhorn spike is enhanced by COVID cabin fever and protest saturnalia. 
Nr Editors, National Review, 20 Aug. 2020 Palm Springs is a playground of shape and color, a mid-century marvel of manicured lawns, modernist homes (glass, stone, terrazzo, and Formica), and poolside saturnalia set within an arid ecosystem that can seem like the surface of Mars. Jennifer Emerling, National Geographic, 6 Aug. 2019
Nr Editors, National Review, 20 Aug. 2020 Palm Springs is a playground of shape and color, a mid-century marvel of manicured lawns, modernist homes (glass, stone, terrazzo, and Formica), and poolside saturnalia set within an arid ecosystem that can seem like the surface of Mars. Jennifer Emerling, National Geographic, 6 Aug. 2019 Word History
Etymology
Latin, from neuter plural of saturnalis of Saturn, from Saturnus
First Known Use
1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1
saturnalia
noun
as in bacchanalia
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- bacchanalia
- orgy
- bacchanal
- celebration
- gala
- social
- masquerade
- soiree
- supper
- stag
- occasion
- clambake
- klatch
- symposium
- tea
- dance
- housewarming
- formal
- tea party
- house party
- cocktail party
- klatsch
- kegger
- prom
- soirée
- kaffeeklatsch
- bake
- salon
- mixer
- icebreaker
- shower
- hen party
- ball
- keg party
- benefit
- fete
- shindig
- reception
- blowout
- fête
- meet and greet
- binge
- function
- fund-raiser
- event
- bash
- party
- affair
- blast
- do
- get-together