'carnival' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'carnevale,' where 'carne' meant 'flesh' and 'vale' meant 'farewell.'

'carnevale' transformed into the French word 'carnaval,' and eventually became the modern English word 'carnival' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'farewell to meat,' referring to the period before Lent, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a festive celebration.'