To partake means to take part in something or to have a share of something. When you partake in a celebration, you join in the activities and enjoy them along with everyone else. When guests partake of a meal, they eat some of the food that's been served.

The word has a slightly formal, old-fashioned quality to it. You're more likely to see partake in a book than hear it in casual conversation at lunch. Someone might write, “All students are invited to partake in the science fair,” though they'd probably just say “participate” while talking.

You can partake in an activity (like partaking in a debate or partaking in a tradition) or partake of something that's shared or consumed (like partaking of refreshments at a party).

When you partake in something, you're actively involved, experiencing it firsthand. If your family has a tradition of volunteering at a food bank during holidays, you partake in that tradition by showing up and helping out alongside everyone else.