1. traveling amusement shows with rides, games, and entertainment
2. festive celebrations or parades, especially before Lent
3. any riotous merrymaking or celebration

Examples

• The traveling carnivals visit our town every summer.
• She won a stuffed animal at one of the carnival games.
• Rio de Janeiro hosts one of the world’s most famous carnivals.
• The street carnivals featured colorful costumes and dancing.
• Local carnivals often raise money for charity.
• The children were excited about the rides at the carnival.
• Many cultures celebrate carnivals before the Lenten season begins.