Surprise Party: Meaning, Examples & Usage

Meaning 1：a surprise party (surprise party)

surprise party 🔊

/sərˈpraɪz ˈpɑːrti/

A party that is planned secretly to surprise someone, usually for a special occasion like a birthday.

a surprise party 🔊

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/ə sərˈpraɪz ˈpɑːrti/

A surprise party is a private event organized secretly to honor someone, typically on a special occasion like a birthday, anniversary, or achievement.

📁 Category：Culture & History 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Surprise (Old French 'surprendre') + party (Old French 'partie')

💡 Mnemonic

Think of friends hiding in the dark, then shouting 'SURPRISE!' – that's a surprise party!

📖 Example

We organized a surprise party for my best friend's birthday, and she was so happy when she walked in. 🔊 We organized a surprise party for my best friend's birthday, and she was so happy when she walked in.

🔗 Collocations

throw a surprise party – to organize and host a surprise party

surprise party planning – the process of arranging a surprise party

surprise party guest – a person who attends a surprise party

🔄 Synonyms

surprise gathering (n.) – a smaller or informal surprise event

secret celebration (n.) – a party kept hidden from the guest of honor

🚫 Antonyms

expected party (n.) – a party where the guest is aware in advance

public celebration (n.) – a celebration openly announced and not secret

📖 Cultural Story

Popular in 20th-century America, surprise parties emphasize secrecy and joy, becoming a staple for birthdays and milestones.