Xmas

X·mas  (krsms, ksms)

n.

Christmas.

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[From X, the Greek letter chi, first letter of Greek Khrstos, Christ; see Christ.]

Usage Note: Xmas has been used for hundreds of years in religious writing, where the X represents a Greek chi, the first letter of , "Christ." In this use it is parallel to other forms like Xtian, "Christian." But people unaware of the Greek origin of this X often mistakenly interpret Xmas as an informal shortening pronounced (ksms). Many therefore frown upon the term Xmas because it seems to them a commercial convenience that omits Christ from Christmas.

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Xmas [[eks-]mass]

Noun

Informal short for Christmas [from the Greek letter chi (X), first letter of Khristos Christ]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

Xmas - a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Christ; a quarter day in England, Wales, and Ireland Christmas Day, Dec 25, Christmas quarter day - a Christian holy day; one of four specified days when certain payments are due feast day, fete day - a day designated for feasting holy day of obligation - a day when Catholics must attend Mass and refrain from servile work, and Episcopalians must take Communion legal holiday, national holiday, public holiday - authorized by law and limiting work or official business Dec, December - the last (12th) month of the year

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Xmas

noun Christmas, Noel, festive season, Yule (archaic) Yuletide (archaic) Christmastime, Christmastide, Crimbo Brit. (informal)

Translations

Xmas [ˈkrisməs]

short for Christmas.