weekend

UK: ˌwiːkˈend | US: ˈwiːk.end

Definition

  1. n. Saturday and Sunday, typically a period of rest or leisure

  2. v. (informal) spend the weekend at a particular place

Structure
week <seven-day cycle>end <termination>
Etymology

The word "weekend" emerged in the late 19th century, combining "week" (from Old English wice, meaning a seven-day cycle) and "end" (from Old English endian, meaning to conclude). It originally referred to the period between the end of the workweek (Saturday) and the start of the new week (Monday). The modern two-day weekend became standardized in the early 20th century due to labor reforms. The morphemes reflect the literal "end of the week," highlighting its function as a break from routine.

Examples

  1. We’re planning a trip for the weekend.

  2. She weekends at her cabin in the mountains.

  3. The office is closed over the weekend.

  4. How was your weekend?

  5. They decided to weekend in Paris.