Kirmes

German

Alternative forms
  • Kirmis, plural Kirmisse

Etymology

From Middle High German kirmesse, contraction of kirche (“church”) + messe (“mass”), referring to annual solemn masses on the anniversaries of the consecration of village churches (contemporary Kirchweihfest), which developed into major village festivals. Compare the same in Dutch kermis.

Pronunciation
  • IPA(key): /ˈkɪrməs/, [ˈkɪʁməs], [ˈkɪɐ̯məs], [ˈkɪrməs]

Noun

Kirmes f (genitive Kirmes, plural Kirmessen)

  1. (regional) fair, funfair

Usage notes
  • Common throughout western and central Germany. It is also used in some parts of northern and southern Germany, but may not be familiar to speakers from certain regions.

Synonyms

Further reading
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