WordWeb Online

1. A festival marked by merrymaking and processions
    
2. A frenetic disorganized (and often comic) disturbance suggestive of a large public entertainment
   "the whole occasion had a carnival atmosphere";
   - circus
    
3. [N. Amer] A travelling show; having sideshows and rides and games of skill etc.
   - fair, funfair [Brit], carnie [N. Amer, informal], carny [N. Amer, informal]

Derived forms: carnivals

Type of: disturbance, festival, fete, fête, show

Encyclopedia: Carnival, Angel and Dust