Special Occasions: English Vocabulary List

the event or process of a baby being born

"The birth was healthy."

"They celebrated the birth of their daughter with great joy."

a day set aside to honor and celebrate fathers and father figures

"We celebrated Father's Day."

"Father's Day is a time to show appreciation for dads and father figures."

the day that comes first in the calendar year and is a public holiday in most countries

"New Year's Day is peaceful."

"We started New Year's Day with breakfast and a long walk."

the day on which mothers are appreciated and often receive gifts from their children

"We celebrated Mother's Day."

"Mother's Day is a chance to thank mothers for their care and love."

a day on which two people celebrate their love toward each other and often buy gifts for one another

"He sent her flowers on Valentine's Day."

"He bought his wife some flowers and chocolates for Valentine's Day to show his love for her."

October 31st, a holiday where people dress in costumes, carve pumpkins, and children go door-to-door asking for candy

"Halloween is fun."

"On Halloween children dress in costumes and go door to door saying trick or treat to receive candy from their neighbors."

an official or special ceremony or event

"This is a special occasion."

"This special occasion calls for champagne and formal attire because it is not every day that a family member celebrates a milestone birthday."

to amuse someone so that they have an enjoyable time

"Magicians entertain the audience with tricks."

"The clown entertained the children at the birthday party with funny tricks and colorful balloons."

a long piece of cloth with a design or message, which is hung in public places, typically used to represent something at events

"The banner is huge."

"They hung a banner across the street for the celebration."

to put out a flame, candle, etc. using the air in one's lungs

"She blows out the birthday candles."

"The birthday boy managed to blow out all the candles on his cake with one breath."

a block or stick of wax with a string inside that can be lit to produce light

"The candle is lit."

"She lit a scented candle to create a relaxing atmosphere in the bathroom while she soaked in a hot bath after work."

to cover an object in paper, soft fabric, etc.

"She wraps the gift with colorful paper."

"Please wrap the gift in colorful paper and tie it with a ribbon before giving it."

to join in an event, activity, etc.

"All students must participate in class."

"All students are encouraged to participate in the school's recycling program to help protect the environment."

to participate in something, such as an event or activity

"I want to take part in the game."

"All students are encouraged to take part in the school sports day activities next month."

to be the organizer of an event such as a meeting, party, etc. to which people are invited

"We will host."

"Our family decided to host the annual neighborhood barbecue this year, inviting all our friends and neighbors."

a ceremony during which students receive their degrees

"She finished graduation."

"The university announced the date for the upcoming graduation ceremony for all departments."

an agreement between two people to get married or the duration of this agreement

"Their engagement was announced."

"Their engagement was announced in the local newspaper including details about the wedding planned for the following spring at a countryside venue."

something special, important, and known that takes place at a particular time or place such as a festival or Valentin's Day

"It was a big event."

"The annual music festival is a major cultural event that attracts thousands of attendees."

a meeting, especially one with a particular purpose

"The gathering was small."

"The family gathering included relatives from three generations who shared stories looked through old photo albums and ate a large meal together."

to hold or organize an event such as a party

"They throw a party."

"She decided to throw a surprise birthday party for her best friend next month."

a gathering or event where people come together to honor someone or something, often with food, music, and dancing

"It was a happy celebration."

"The town's centennial celebration included a parade, fireworks, and a community feast."

something given to someone as a sign of appreciation or on a special occasion

"He gives his mother a present for her birthday."

"He gives his mother a present for her birthday and she cries tears of joy when she opens the box."

to come together in a place, typically for a specific purpose or activity

"People gather here."

"Friends and family will gather at the park for a picnic on Saturday afternoon."