29 Christmas Words That Start With Z (List With Meanings)

When coming up with a list of holiday-related words, the letter Z does not seem like it would be an easy one to create an entire list. Luckily, it was easier than we thought to find Christmas words starting with Z, and we have compiled a list of those words for you to have for your holiday planning, crafting, and gift-giving.

Image with text saying Christmas Words That Start With Z

Here’s a list of Christmas words that start with the letter Z, including their meanings:

Zander

A species of ray-finned fish from the same family as perch, darter, or ruffe. When prepared, it is baked, grilled, or fried and has a mild, clean taste with a few bones.

Example: Mom wanted to try something new for Christmas dinner this year, and she baked a Zander. No one really liked it, so I am sure she will be back to cooking ham or a turkey next year.

Zap

The act of destroying or obliterating something, to cause it to move suddenly in a specified direction, or to create a dramatic impact on something after a sudden burst of energy or sound.

Example: My brother’s job for Christmas dinner was to “Zap” the vegetables in the microwave to reheat them in preparation for sitting down to eat.

Zazzy

Slang for something flashy or shiny.

Example: My sister’s ugly sweater was very zazzy, and she definitely stood out at the Christmas gathering.

Zeal

Having great energy or enthusiasm while pursuing a cause or specific objective.

Example: His zeal for decorating for Christmas is that his home is always the brightest on the block, and his yard has many fun, festive blow-up figures, including Santa Claus and Rudolph.

Zealously

To do something with great energy or enthusiasm, especially when pursuing a cause or objective.

Example: The elves zealously pursued their ambitions to finish making Christmas toys early so they could take some time off to celebrate the holidays.

Zest

To do something with a great amount of energy and enthusiasm. Zest can also mean the outer colored part of citrus fruit peel, which, when scraped off, is used as flavoring when cooking and baking.

Example: Mom had us zest the oranges and lemons so she could use them as flavoring when cooking Christmas dinner.

Zestful

Something or someone that is characterized by having a significant amount of energy or enthusiasm.

Example: The kids were zestful in the days leading up to winter break because they knew Christmas was almost here and Santa Claus would leave presents underneath their trees.

Zesty

Having a strong, pleasant, somewhat spicy flavor or aroma.

Example: Mom added some type of spice to the gravy this year, which gave the Christmas turkey a zesty flavor. Though my siblings did not like it, I thought it was delicious.

Zigzag

A line that does not run straight because it has abrupt alternating right and left turns. Also refers to the action of moving with sharp alternating right and left turns.

Example: Once all the presents were distributed, we had to zigzag through the living room to get from one end to another, especially if we had to get up and get a drink or snack from the kitchen.

Zillion

An extremely large number of things or people.

Example: Though it was an exaggeration, it felt like we had a zillion Christmas presents to open, and the pile seemed to grow when more of our family showed up.

Zimtsterne

Also known as German Cinnamon Stars, these sweet treats are star-shaped cookies that have been flavored with cinnamon and are often made during the holiday season. Zimtsterne is also a naturally gluten-free food.

Example: One of my favorite holiday cookies is Zimtsterne because I love the spicy cinnamon flavor.

Zinger

To state a striking or amusing remark or an outstanding person, thing, event, or activity.

Example: My brother is such a goof, and he is always cracking jokes and is the life of the party, and we were surprised when he didn’t have anything to say or make zinger-like comments with every Christmas present opened.

Zip

To fasten something with a zipper or to move at a high speed.

Example: It was so cold out on Christmas Day morning I ended up sitting in front of the fireplace and zipped up my hoodie to keep me warm.

Ziplock

A sealable bag with a two-part strip along the top opening that, when pressed, seals the bag shut and can quickly be reopened by pulling the bag apart above the strip.

Example: We ran out of food containers to store leftovers from Christmas dinner, and we had to use a ziplock to hold the remaining leftovers.

Ziti

A type of pasta that looks like tubes and resembles large macaroni.

Example: I decided to change things up for Christmas, and instead of the traditional ham or turkey, I am making a Christmas Ziti for dinner.

Zombie

According to legend, it is a corpse believed to be revived by witchcraft, especially in African and Caribbean religions, but it can also describe a person’s sluggish behavior.

Example: The kids woke mom and dad up so early because they were excited to open their Christmas presents from Santa Claus that the two acted like zombies until their coffee kicked in.

Zone

A particular area or stretch of land with specific characteristics, purposes, or uses is often subject to restrictions. It also means the act of dividing something or assigning zones.

Example: Mom and dad divided the house into zones, and each of us was given a list of things to do in our designated zone before the family came to visit on Christmas Day.

Zopf

A braided golden-brown bread made using eggs, milk, white flour, yeast, and butter, popular in Bavaria, Austria, and Switzerland. This bread is also called “Sunday Bread” because it is traditionally enjoyed on Sunday mornings.

Example: For breakfast, mom made some fresh Zopf, and it was the perfect start to getting ready for the busy Christmas festivities.

Zoo

An establishment where collections of wild animals are housed, typically in a park or garden setting, for continued study, conservation, and public display. It can also mean a situation characterized by a lot of chaos, confusion, and disorder.

Example: We did not need to visit the zoo on Christmas Day because all the chaos and commotion in the home made it feel like we were living in a zoo.

Zoodles

Long, thin strips of zucchini resembling a ribbon of pasta that can be used like pasta noodles for those requiring a specific diet. When prepared properly, some people prefer zoodles over traditional pasta noodles.

Example: The pasta salad my cousin made for Christmas dinner looked different, and when I asked her what type of noodles she used, she told me she used zoodles.

Zoom

To move or travel swiftly or quickly or a camera’s action when it moves from a long shot to a close-up shot or vice versa.

Example: Santa Claus zoomed through the sky to deliver Christmas presents to all the children’s homes.

Zucchini

A green vegetable variety of smooth-skinned summer squash is good fried, grilled, baked, or another cooking method.

Example: Zucchini is one of my favorite vegetables, and I love having stuffed zucchini as a side dish for Christmas dinner.

Zucchini Bread

A popular bread made in the United States using shredded zucchini and other ingredients to create a moist bread with a sweet flavor.

Example: My uncle’s chocolate zucchini bread is my favorite, and I look forward to him baking it every Christmas.

Zucchini Fritters

Vegetable-packed pancakes that are pan-fried or deep-fried in oil until golden and crispy, similar to potato pancakes, but the main ingredient for these fritters is zucchini.

Example: While we waited for Christmas dinner to be ready, we gathered in the living room and snacked on some zucchini fritters as an appetizer.

Zuppa Toscano

A dish served frequently in Tuscany, crafted by chefs using ingredients such as zucchini, tomato pulp, kale, Italian bacon, potatoes, carrots, onions, and celery. Though the dish’s name translates to “Tuscan Soup,” it is typically served on toasted Tuscan bread. American versions include Italian sausage, heavy cream, chicken bouillon, and many other traditional ingredients.

Example: Being part of an Italian family, having Zuppa Toscano served at our family Christmas dinner is always given.

Zuccotto

Originally from Florence, this ice cream, cake, and dome-shaped chocolate dessert is either served semi-frozen or chilled and often accompanied by a sweet liqueur.

Example: The Zuccotto served at my company’s Christmas party was worth sticking around until the dessert table was brought in.

Zeppole

A dough ball that has been deep fried, similar to fritters, filled and topped using ingredients such as jelly, pastry cream, custard, and chocolate. Toppings for this decadent dessert may include powdered sugar, whipped cream, or chocolate.

Example: We started a new Christmas morning tradition when my cousin brought over Zeppole for when we opened presents.

Zwetschkenknödel

Though not easy to pronounce, you can simply call this decadent German and Austrian dessert plum dumplings.

Example: Dad brought home some Zwetschkenknödel with him when he returned from Germany in time for Christmas. The best part about this dessert was listening to my brother try to pronounce it.