noun.
The period of merrymaking and feasting celebrated just before Lent.
noun.
A traveling amusement show usually including rides, games, and sideshows.
noun.
A festival or revel.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
noun.
The feast or season of rejoicing before Lent, observed in Roman Catholic countries with public merriment and revelry, feasts, balls, operas, concerts, etc.
noun.
Figuratively, feasting or revelry in general.
the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
noun.
A festival celebrated with merriment and revelry in Roman Gatholic countries during the week before Lent, esp. at Rome and Naples, during a few days (three to ten) before Lent, ending with Shrove Tuesday.
noun.
Any merrymaking, feasting, or masquerading, especially when overstepping the bounds of decorum; a time of riotous excess.
noun.
A festive occasion marked by parades and sometimes special foods and other entertainment
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
noun.
a frenetic disorganized (and often comic) disturbance suggestive of a large public entertainment
noun.
a traveling show; having sideshows and rides and games of skill etc.
noun.
a festival marked by merrymaking and processions
Word Usage
"Baker said he has a bone to pick with people who use the term "carnival barker" and admitted to being shocked when the President singled out his industry."