Meaning & Definition of word "Holiday"

Holiday

/ˈhɒl.ɪ.deɪ/

noun:

  • 1. A day of festivity or recreation when no work is done.
    • Example: We usually spend the holiday with family and friends.
  • 2. A day established by law or custom on which normal activities, especially business or work, are suspended or reduced.
    • Example: Independence Day is a national holiday in the United States.
  • 3. A vacation or an extended period of leisure time away from work or school.
    • Example: She is planning a holiday to the beach this summer.

verb:

  • 1. To take a holiday or vacation.
    • Example: We decided to holiday in Europe this year.

Etymology

From Old English 'haligdæg', meaning 'holy day'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

public holiday:

A holiday established by law and generally recognized.

bank holiday:

A day on which banks and certain businesses are closed.

national holiday:

A holiday established by a nation's government.

Related Words

vacation:

A period of time spent away from home or business in travel or recreation.

celebration:

The act of marking one's pleasure at an important event or occasion by engaging in enjoyable, typically social, activities.

Slang Meanings of holiday

Meaning: Holidaze

Example Sentence: I'm in a total holidaze after all the festivities.

Meaning: Holi-yay

Example Sentence: I'm so excited for the long weekend, it's a holi-yay!