What does nativity mean?
Nativity most commonly means the birth of Jesus Christ, particularly the event commemorated by Christians at Christmas. It is also used more formally for the origin or beginning of a person, institution, idea, or development. In everyday religious contexts, the word is often associated with Christmas services, carols, pageants, and nativity plays that retell the story of Jesus’ birth. The general sense, as in “the nativity of a movement,” sounds literary or historical and should not normally be used to mean simply any birthday. Nativity comes from the Latin word nativitas, meaning “birth,” and ultimately from the root related to being born. Its familiar religious meaning has made it particularly important in Christmas vocabulary, while its broader sense preserves a formal connection with origins and beginnings.
nounThe birth of Jesus Christ, especially as celebrated at Christmas. More generally, it can mean the origin or beginning of something.
- The birth of Jesus Christ, especially as commemorated and celebrated at Christmas.
- The origin or beginning of something, especially in a formal or literary context.
"The nativity play tells the story of Jesus’ birth."
"The nativity play was performed by the parish’s children."
"The nativity of the company was modest, but its influence soon became considerable."
Usually used for multiple births or, in formal contexts, multiple origins; it is not common in ordinary use.
"The museum’s collection includes paintings of the nativities of several biblical figures."
Christmas commemorates a nativity: the birth that made Jesus both a historical figure and the central figure of Christian faith.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nativity come from?
Nativity comes through Old French from Latin nativitas, a noun meaning “birth” or “origin.” The Latin word was derived from nativus, “born,” from the root of nasci, “to be born.” Related English words include native, natal, innate, and nascent, all reflecting the same broader idea of birth or origin.
How nativity is actually used
In contemporary English, “nativity” most often refers specifically to the birth of Jesus Christ. Its more general meaning, “origin” or “beginning,” is formal and much less common.
Easily confused with nativity
“Nativity” usually refers to a birth or origin, especially the birth of Jesus Christ, whereas “natal” means relating to birth or a birthday.