WordGarden.ioholiday
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈɒlɪdˌeɪ/
US
- /ˈhɑləˌdeɪ/
Meanings
Noun
a special day of celebration, commemoration, or observance
a vacation or period away from work or school for rest, leisure, or travel
Verb
to spend time on vacation, especially away from home
Beyond the definition
A "holiday" is not just about sunshine and beaches, though it can be. It can be a special day set aside for celebration, remembrance, or rest. Think of Christmas, Thanksgiving, or the Fourth of July. They are all holidays. But "holiday" can also mean a period of time when you take a break from work or school, like a vacation. So, you might have a holiday on December 25th and then take a holiday in Hawaii next summer. The word comes from "holy day," which first meant a day for religious observance, but now it can describe many kinds of special days and breaks.
The word "holiday" has a surprisingly layered meaning. Originally stemming from the Old English phrase hāligdæg, meaning "holy day," holidays were traditionally days set aside for religious celebration or commemoration. Think about Easter, Ramadan, or Hanukkah—these retain that original connection to faith and worship.
Over time, "holiday" broadened its meaning. Now it can refer to any special day of celebration or remembrance, whether it is religious or not. National holidays like Independence Day (July 4th) or Labor Day fall into this category, marking important events in a nation's history or recognizing the contributions of workers.
But "holiday" is not limited to single days. It can also refer to an extended period of leisure and recreation, which is commonly called a vacation in North America. You might celebrate a holiday like New Year's Day, but you would take a holiday to Italy for two weeks.
Context is key: "We had a lovely holiday season" typically means the festive period around Christmas and New Year's. "I need a holiday!" means you really need a break from your routine. Also, "bank holidays" in the UK are public holidays when banks and many businesses are closed, which adds a useful cultural detail. Whether it is a day of religious observance, a national celebration, or simply a well-deserved break, "holiday" refers to time set apart for joy, reflection, and rest.
Examples
- 1
Travel plans
We're going on holiday next week.
- 2
Need a break
I need a holiday after all these late nights at work.
- 3
School break
The children spend part of the school holidays with their grandparents.
- 4
Work absence
Mia is on holiday this week, so she won't see your email until Monday.
- Phraseon holiday
away from work for a break
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Public closure
The office is closed today because it's a public holiday.
- Phrasepublic holiday
a day when many people do not work
- 6
Festive period
We're staying home for the holidays this year.
- Phrasethe holidays
the period around major celebrations such as Christmas and New Year
- 7
Digital break
After the final exams, he took a holiday from social media.
- Patterna holiday from + activity
a break from it
- 8
British verb use
They're holidaying in Portugal this August.
- Usage
holiday can also be a verb, especially in British English
See also
Similar
- observance
- day off
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- workday
- ordinary day
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- public holiday
- national holiday
- religious holiday
- holiday season
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- holidaynounverb
Forms
- holidayspluralnounverb
- holidaying-ing formverbnoun
- holidayedpast tenseverbnoun