holiday

UK: ˈhɒlɪdeɪ | US: ˈhɑːlɪdeɪ

Definition

  1. n. a day of celebration or recreation when no work is done

  2. n. (chiefly British) a period of leisure or travel away from home

  3. v. (archaic) to spend a holiday in a specified place

Structure
holi <holy>day <day>holi <holy>day <day>
Etymology

holiday = holi<holy> + day<day>

  • holi<holy>: From Old English hālig, meaning "sacred or consecrated."
  • day<day>: From Old English dæg, meaning "a 24-hour period."

Etymology Origin:
The word "holiday" originally referred to a "holy day," a religious observance or festival. Over time, its meaning broadened to include any day of rest or leisure, regardless of religious significance. The shift reflects societal secularization and the expansion of leisure culture.

Examples

  1. We’re planning a beach holiday next summer.

  2. Christmas is a public holiday in many countries.

  3. She holidays in the Alps every winter.

  4. The office will be closed for the bank holiday.

  5. They took a two-week holiday to Japan.