Word: Holiday

Pronunciation

/ˈhɑːlədeɪ/ (UK), /ˈhoʊlədeɪ/ (US)

Definitions

• Noun: A period of time when one does not go to work or school but is free to rest, travel, or enjoy leisure activities; often associated with religious or cultural celebrations. E.g. “We’re planning a two-week holiday in Spain this summer.”

  • Also used in the plural form to refer to specific days designated as non-working or celebratory. E.g. “New Year’s Day is a public holiday.”

• Verb: (informal) To take or spend a holiday. E.g. “They decided to holiday in the countryside this year.”

Phrases

• “On holiday”: Being away from work or school for a vacation. E.g. “I’m on holiday until next Monday.”
• “Bank holiday”: A public holiday in the UK, typically a day off work.
• “Holiday season”: The period around Christmas and New Year when many people have holidays or celebrate festivals.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “She was looking forward to her long-awaited summer holiday.”
• Verb: “They holidayed in a charming cottage by the sea.”

Synonyms

• Vacation
• Break
• Leave
• Trip
• Getaway
• Leisure time
• Time off
• Festive season (for holiday season)
• Public holiday
• Day off