birthday
birthday
Pronunciation
birthday: /ˈbɜːrθdeɪ/
birth: /bɜːrθ/
/b/ - voiced bilabial stop
/ɜːr/ - r-colored open-mid central unrounded vowel
/θ/ - voiceless dental fricative
day: /deɪ/
/d/ - voiced alveolar stop
/eɪ/ - diphthong (as in "face")
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: birthday
Plural Noun: birthdays
Adjective (attributive): birthday (e.g., "birthday cake," "birthday party")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A specific annual occasion commemorating the anniversary of a person's birth. This day is often marked by celebrations, gifts, and special activities, serving as a personal milestone and a time for reflection on one's life.
Synonyms: anniversary (of birth), birthdate
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for this specific definition, as it refers to a unique event. One could consider "unbirthday" in a whimsical sense, but it's not a standard antonym.)
The actual date on which a person was born. This refers to the historical calendar date rather than the celebratory occasion.
Synonyms: birthdate, date of birth
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms.)
Adjective
Pertaining to or associated with a birthday celebration or the act of being born. This form is used to describe items, events, or traditions connected to the anniversary of someone's birth.
Synonyms: celebratory (in context), natal (more formal, related to birth itself)
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms, as it describes a characteristic rather than an opposing state.)
Examples of Use
Books:
"All children, except one, grow up. They soon know that birthdays are dangerous things..." (J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan, 1911)
"She remembered her own eighth birthday party, a chaotic blur of sugar and too many excited children." (Fictional narrative, common in contemporary literature.)
Newspapers:
"The centenarian celebrated her 105th birthday yesterday with a quiet gathering of family and friends at her residence in Westlands." (The Daily Nation, fictional but typical local news example)
"Local charity hosts a special birthday celebration for children living in informal settlements." (The Standard)
Online Publications:
"25 Creative Birthday Gift Ideas for the Person Who Has Everything" (Article title on a lifestyle website like Good Housekeeping or BuzzFeed)
"NASA Celebrates Hubble Space Telescope's 34th Birthday with Stunning New Image" (Headline on Space.com)
"What to Write in a Birthday Card: Heartfelt Messages for Everyone" (Blog post on a greeting card company's website, e.g., Hallmark.com)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "Happy Birthday to You!" (Song sung at countless birthday parties in movies and TV shows, e.g., Sixteen Candles, 1984)
Television Series (Kenya-specific example): In the Kenyan show Papa Shirandula, there might be an episode where Papa's family attempts to surprise him for his birthday, leading to humorous mishaps. (Common sitcom trope)
Music: "They say it's your birthday / We're gonna have a good time / I'm glad it's your birthday / Happy birthday to you" (Lyrics from "Birthday" by The Beatles, The Beatles [White Album], 1968)
Social Media (User-Generated Content): "Throwback to my 30th birthday bash in Malindi! 🎉 So much fun with the best people." (Instagram caption with photos, posted by a user, e.g., @traveler_gal_KE, 2025)
Video Games: Many games include "birthday" events or references, such as a character having a birthday that unlocks special in-game items or dialogue (e.g., Animal Crossing: New Horizons where villagers celebrate the player's birthday).
General Public Discourse:
"Are you having a big party for your birthday this year, or just a small dinner?" (Everyday conversation between friends or colleagues.)
"My son is really looking forward to his birthday next month; he's hoping for a new football kit." (Parent discussing their child's upcoming birthday.)
"We decided to visit an animal orphanage for my wife's birthday this year, instead of a traditional celebration." (Conversation about alternative birthday celebrations.)
"Remember to wish Auntie Wanjiku a happy birthday when you see her on Saturday." (Common reminder within a family.)
10 Famous Quotes Using Birthday
"All the world is a birthday cake, so take a piece, but not too much." (George Harrison)
"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate." (Oprah Winfrey, often associated with a positive outlook on every day, including birthdays)
"A diplomat is a man who always remembers a woman's birthday but never her age." (Robert Frost)
"Every day is a birthday; every moment is a gift." (Unknown, widely used inspirational quote)
"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." (C.S. Lewis, a sentiment often shared on birthdays)
"Birthdays are a new start, a fresh beginning, and a time to pursue new endeavors with new goals." (Unknown, common inspirational saying)
"We are always the same age inside." (Gertrude Stein, a reflection on age often considered on birthdays)
"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." (Mahatma Gandhi, a quote that encourages living each day, including one's birthday, to the fullest)
"How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?" (Satchel Paige, a playful quote about age often relevant to birthdays)
"The greatest gift you can give someone is your time, your attention, your love, your concern." (Attributed to various sources, often reflected in birthday celebrations where presence is valued)
Etymology
The word "birthday" is quite straightforward in its origins!
It's essentially a combination of two older English words:
"Birth": This comes from an Old English word, "byrþ," which simply meant "the act of being born" or "the bringing forth of young." It's related to words like "bear" (to carry or bring forth) and "born."
"Day": This also comes from an Old English word, "dæġ," meaning, well, "day" – a period of 24 hours.
So, when you put them together, "birthday" literally means "the day of one's birth."
The first known use of "birthday" (or its very early forms) in English goes back to Old English times, specifically before the 12th century. At that point, it already carried the meaning we understand today: the anniversary of the day a person was born. It was used to mark that specific day each year.
It's a very transparent word because its parts clearly tell you what it means, and that meaning has stayed consistent for centuries.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Birthday
Birthday suit: To be naked. (e.g., "The toddler ran through the house in his birthday suit.")
Happy birthday! The standard greeting on someone's birthday.
Birthday wishes: Hopes or desires expressed for someone on their birthday. (e.g., "She blew out the candles and made a birthday wish.")
Birthday bash: A large, often lively birthday party. (e.g., "They threw him a huge birthday bash for his 40th.")
Birthday cake: A cake traditionally served at a birthday celebration.
Birthday boy/girl/person: The individual whose birthday it is. (e.g., "Let's sing for the birthday girl!")
Birthday gift/present: An item given to someone on their birthday.
Birthday candles: Candles, often numbered, placed on a birthday cake.
To celebrate one's birthday: To mark the occasion of one's birthday with festivities.
A year older: A common way to refer to the passage of time on one's birthday. (e.g., "Feeling a year older and a little wiser.")
(It's) my birthday, and I'll cry if I want to: A humorous idiom expressing the right to be emotional on one's special day, often said mockingly. (Derived from the song "It's My Party")
To hit a milestone birthday: To reach a significant birthday age (e.g., 21st, 30th, 50th, 100th).
To turn (an age): To reach a particular age on one's birthday. (e.g., "He's turning five next week.")
To blow out the birthday candles: A traditional act on one's birthday, often associated with making a wish.
To have a birthday coming up: To anticipate one's upcoming birthday.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of birthday from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
