workday

UK: ˈwɜːkdeɪ | US: ˈwɜːrkdeɪ

Definition

  1. n. a day on which work is done, typically a weekday (Monday to Friday)

  2. n. the period of time in a day during which work is performed

Structure
work <labor>day <24-hour period>
Etymology

The word "workday" is a straightforward compound of "work" (from Old English weorc, meaning "physical or mental effort") and "day" (from Old English dæg, meaning "24-hour period"). It emerged in Middle English to denote a day designated for labor, contrasting with rest days like weekends or holidays. The logic is transparent: combining "work" and "day" directly reflects its meaning—a day devoted to work.

Examples

  1. My workday starts at 9 AM and ends at 5 PM.

  2. She packed a healthy lunch for her long workday.

  3. The company allows flexible workdays for remote employees.

  4. A typical workday in Japan often includes overtime.

  5. He prefers to finish all his tasks early in the workday.