Vacation: meaning, definitions and examples

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vacation

 

[ vษ™หˆkeษชสƒษ™n ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

time off work

A vacation is a period of time during which you relax and enjoy yourself away from home. It is a break from work or school, usually lasting for several days or weeks. Vacations are often spent traveling to new destinations, exploring new cultures, and trying new activities.

Synonyms

break, getaway, holiday.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vacation

Usually used in the United States to describe taking time off from work or school to relax or travel.

  • I'm going on vacation next week to Hawaii.
  • We should plan a vacation during the summer.
holiday

Commonly used in British English to refer to a break from work or school, often synonymous with 'vacation' in American English. Can also mean a specific celebration or public holiday.

  • We spent our summer holiday in Italy.
  • Christmas is my favorite holiday.
break

Refers to a shorter period of rest from work, study, or routine activities, such as a coffee break or a weekend break.

  • I need a break from work, let's go for a coffee.
  • The students are on a two-week break from school.
getaway

Often implies a short trip, usually over a weekend, to escape everyday life, often to a nearby location.

  • We planned a quick getaway to the mountains.
  • They enjoyed a weekend getaway at the beach.

Examples of usage

  • I'm going on vacation to Hawaii next month.
  • She took a two-week vacation to Europe.
  • Vacations are important for recharging and reducing stress.
  • Many people enjoy beach vacations for sun and relaxation.
  • I need a vacation to unwind and recharge.
Context #2 | Verb

to take time off

To vacation means to take time off from work or school to relax and enjoy oneself. It involves going on a trip or engaging in leisure activities. Vacationing allows people to recharge, explore new places, and spend quality time with loved ones.

Synonyms

get away, holiday, travel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vacation

Use this term for a planned period of time off from work or school, often involving travel. Commonly used in the United States.

  • I'm planning a vacation to Europe next summer.
  • We took a two-week vacation to the beach.
travel

A broader term that covers the act of going from one place to another, often over long distances and can be for various purposes such as business, pleasure, or adventure.

  • She loves to travel and explore new cultures.
  • Business travel can be tiring but rewarding.
holiday

Popular in British English, it refers to days of celebration or periods of time off. Also, it can mean a planned trip away from home for relaxation.

  • We went on holiday to Spain last year.
  • The office is closed for the Christmas holiday.
get away

This phrase is more casual and implies a short break or escape from daily life, often for relaxation.

  • We need to find a way to get away for the weekend.
  • A quick get away to the mountains sounds perfect.

Examples of usage

  • We are planning to vacation in Europe next summer.
  • She often vacations in the mountains to enjoy nature.
  • Vacationing in tropical destinations is popular during the winter months.
  • I need to vacation to destress and relax.
  • Many families vacation together to create lasting memories.

Translations

Translations of the word "vacation" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น fรฉrias

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค›เฅเคŸเฅเคŸเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Urlaub

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ liburan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒั–ะดะฟัƒัั‚ะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ wakacje

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ไผ‘ๆš‡

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท vacances

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ vacaciones

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท tatil

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํœด๊ฐ€

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฅุฌุงุฒุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dovolenรก

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ dovolenka

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ‡ๆœŸ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ poฤitnice

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ frรญdagar

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะดะตะผะฐะปั‹ั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒแƒกแƒ•แƒ”แƒœแƒ”แƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tษ™til

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ vacaciones

Etymology

The word 'vacation' originated from the Latin word 'vacatio', meaning freedom or exemption. It first appeared in English in the mid-14th century, referring to a period of leisure. Vacations became popular among the wealthy in the 19th century as a way to escape the pressures of urban life. With the rise of leisure time and tourism, vacations have become a common practice for people around the world to relax and rejuvenate.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,428 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.