Week: meaning, definitions and examples

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week

 

[ wiːk ]

Context #1 | Noun

measurement of time

A period of seven days, typically starting on Sunday and ending on Saturday.

Synonyms

seven days.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
week

This word is identical to the first 'week' mentioned. Its context and usage remain the same—commonly referring to a period of seven consecutive days.

  • She goes to the gym three times a week.
  • We plan to go on vacation next week.
seven days

This phrase specifies the exact number of days, often used for clarity or emphasis. It can be employed in more informal or conversational settings, as well as occasionally in writing.

  • I'll finish the report in seven days.
  • The package will arrive in seven days.

Examples of usage

  • I have a busy week ahead of me.
  • Let's meet next week.
Context #2 | Noun

work/school

A period of time during which certain activities are completed or a specific task is accomplished.

Synonyms

school week, workweek.

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Word Description / Examples
week

General term for a period of seven days, used in most everyday scenarios.

  • I will visit my grandparents next week.
  • We are going on vacation for a week.
workweek

Refers to the days employees work, usually Monday to Friday.

  • The standard workweek in many countries is 40 hours long.
  • I have a lot of meetings during the workweek.
school week

Specific to the days students attend school, typically Monday to Friday.

  • The school week ends on Friday.
  • Homework is due throughout the school week.

Examples of usage

  • She has a four-day week at her job.
  • This is the last week of classes.
Context #3 | Noun

informal

A period of seven days considered as a unit of time, especially with reference to work, school, or social activities.

Synonyms

seven-day period.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
week

Commonly used in casual or formal conversation to refer to the seven days from Monday to Sunday.

  • I'll visit you sometime next week.
  • How has your week been?
seven-day period

Used in formal contexts or when emphasizing the exact duration of time.

  • The medication must be taken over a seven-day period.
  • The project deadline is in a seven-day period.

Examples of usage

  • I can't wait for the weekend to begin after a long week.
  • It's been a tough week at the office.

Translations

Translations of the word "week" in other languages:

🇵🇹 semana

🇮🇳 सप्ताह

🇩🇪 Woche

🇮🇩 minggu

🇺🇦 тиждень

🇵🇱 tydzień

🇯🇵 

🇫🇷 semaine

🇪🇸 semana

🇹🇷 hafta

🇰🇷 

🇸🇦 أسبوع

🇨🇿 týden

🇸🇰 týždeň

🇨🇳 

🇸🇮 teden

🇮🇸 vika

🇰🇿 апта

🇬🇪 კვირა

🇦🇿 həftə

🇲🇽 semana

Etymology

The word 'week' has its origins in Old English 'wice' or 'wicu', meaning a period of seven days. It has been used to denote a unit of time for centuries, with roots in ancient cultures that divided time into periods of seven days. The modern concept of a week as a cycle of seven days has been widely adopted globally.

See also: biweekly, weekend, weekly.

Word Frequency Rank

At #590 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.