Holiday: meaning, definitions and examples

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holiday

[ˈhɒlɪdeɪ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

vacation

A day of festivity or recreation when no work is done.

Synonyms

break, day off, vacation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
holiday	A special day with cultural, religious, or national importance. Often marked by celebrations or observance. Christmas is a major holiday celebrated around the world Independence Day is a national holiday in the United States
vacation	An extended period of time away from work or daily routines, typically involving travel or leisure activities. Usually lasts several days to weeks. We are planning a vacation to Italy next summer After a year of hard work, he took a long vacation to recharge
break	A short period of rest or time away from work or daily activities. Usually lasts for minutes to a few days. I take a coffee break every morning at 10 am Let's take a break from studying and go for a walk
day off	A specific day when you do not go to work or school. Usually, planned and often used for personal errands or relaxation. I have a day off tomorrow so I can finally go to the dentist She spent her day off relaxing at the beach

Examples of usage

We always go on a family holiday in July.
She took a holiday from work to travel to Europe.
The office will be closed for the holiday.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

celebration

A day of celebration or religious festival.

Synonyms

celebration, festival, occasion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
holiday	In this duplication, 'holiday' can be interpreted similarly to the first entry, denoting a break from regular activities, often marked by national or religious significance. The children are excited about the upcoming Christmas holiday During the national holiday, all public offices are closed
celebration	An event or gathering held to mark a significant occasion with joy and festivities. Usually associated with anniversaries, birthdays, or achieving milestones. They had a celebration for their 10th wedding anniversary The celebration will include dancing and fireworks
festival	A series of events or activities, often cultural or religious, held over several days to honor traditions, art, or community. Typically, festivals feature performances, food, and parades. We attended the music festival in the park The city hosts a festival every summer with lots of activities
occasion	A specific event or happening, often noteworthy or significant, which may be celebrated or remembered. Used in a more general sense than 'celebration'. Her graduation was a joyous occasion They reserve their best wine for special occasions

Examples of usage

Christmas is a popular holiday in many countries.
The city is decorated for the holiday season.
We exchange gifts on the holiday.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

public holiday

A day when the government or businesses are officially closed for celebration or observance.

Synonyms

bank holiday, national holiday, public holiday.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
holiday	In American English, it can refer to specific festive days such as Christmas or Thanksgiving. We're going to my parents' house for the holidays
public holiday	Used interchangeably with 'bank holiday' in the UK, it refers to any official holiday recognized by the government where people typically have the day off work. Christmas is one of the most celebrated public holidays around the world
national holiday	A day designated by a country to celebrate a significant event, often with cultural or historical importance. It's a day off for most citizens. The Fourth of July is a national holiday in the United States
bank holiday	Specific to the UK and some other countries, it refers to official public holidays when banks and other businesses are closed. The museum will be closed on the next bank holiday

Examples of usage

We have a national holiday on Independence Day.
The bank will be closed for the holiday.
It's a public holiday so the schools are closed.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'holiday' comes from the Old English 'hāligdæg', meaning 'holy day'.
In ancient times, many holidays were linked to religious festivals.
Over the years, the meaning has expanded to include any day of rest or celebration.

Cultural Significance

Different cultures celebrate unique holidays that reflect their traditions, such as Diwali in India or Independence Day in the U.S.
Some holidays have specific customs, like gift-giving on Christmas or feasting during Ramadan.
National holidays often commemorate important historical events or figures.

Psychology

Taking a holiday can significantly reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
Research shows that people who take regular breaks or holidays tend to be more productive when they return to work.
Holidays create opportunities for bonding, enhancing relationships with friends and family.

Economics

The holiday industry is a significant part of the global economy, including travel, hospitality, and retail sectors.
Many businesses rely on holiday seasons for a substantial portion of their annual income.
Public holidays can affect economic activity, with some businesses closing, while others see a surge in sales.

Pop Culture

The concept of holiday has inspired countless songs, movies, and books, like 'A Christmas Carol' or holiday-themed songs.
Festive holidays, like Thanksgiving or Halloween, have unique cultural representations in various media.
Commercial celebrations like Valentine's Day have become significant events marketed around gift-giving and special activities.

Translations

Translations of the word "holiday" in other languages:

🇵🇹 feriado

🇮🇳 अवकाश

🇩🇪 Ferien

🇮🇩 liburan

🇺🇦 свято

🇵🇱 święto

🇯🇵 休日

🇫🇷 vacances

🇪🇸 vacaciones

🇹🇷 tatil

🇰🇷 휴일

🇸🇦 عطلة

🇨🇿 dovolená

🇸🇰 dovolenka

🇨🇳 假日

🇸🇮 praznik

🇮🇸 frí

🇰🇿 демалыс

🇬🇪 დღესასწაული

🇦🇿 bayram

🇲🇽 vacaciones

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,954, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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4951 computing
4952 glorious
4953 injunction
4954 holiday
4955 themes
4956 warned
4957 diplomatic
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