First Known Use: 1551
Dictionary
Xmas
noun \ˈkris-məs also ˈeks-məs\
Definition of XMAS
See Xmas defined for English-language learners
See Xmas defined for kids
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Origin of XMAS
X (symbol for Christ, from the Greek letter chi (X), initial of Christos Christ) + -mas (in Christmas)
XMAS Defined for Kids
Xmas
noun \ˈkri-sməs\
Definition of XMAS for Kids
Word History of XMAS
Some people dislike the use of Xmas for Christmas, saying it is wrong to take Christ out of Christmas. Really, they are the ones who are wrong, for the X in Xmas stands for the Greek letter chi that looks just like our X and is the first letter of Christ in Greek. For many centuries this letter has been used as an abbreviation and a symbol for Christ.
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