holiday
holiday
Pronunciation
holiday /ˈhɒlɪdeɪ/
hol: /hɒl/ - The 'h' sound as in 'hat', the 'o' sound as in 'hot', and the 'l' sound as in 'light'.
i: /ɪ/ - The 'i' sound as in 'kit'.
day: /deɪ/ - The 'd' sound as in 'dog', and the 'ay' sound as in 'day'.
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: holiday
Plural Noun: holidays
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A period of rest from work or school, often spent traveling or engaging in recreational activities.
Synonyms: vacation, break, time off, recess, leave
Antonyms: work, labor, toil, duty, shift
A day of special observance, celebration, or commemoration, often designated by law or custom, on which ordinary business is suspended.
Synonyms: festival, celebration, feast day, public holiday, national day
Antonyms: workday, business day, ordinary day
Examples of Use
Books:
"They spent their summer holiday in a small cottage by the sea, a tradition they had kept for generations." (From a fictional novel, e.g., The Summer Holiday by a hypothetical author)
"The book provides a fascinating historical account of how different cultures celebrate their national holidays." (From a non-fiction historical text, e.g., World Celebrations: A Cultural History)
Newspapers:
"Traffic is expected to be heavy this weekend as many families head out for the long holiday." (Headline from a local newspaper, e.g., The Daily Gazette)
"The company announced an extra day off for employees to celebrate the upcoming public holiday." (Article from a business section, e.g., Financial Times)
Online Publications:
"Top 10 Affordable Destinations for Your Next Family Holiday." (Article title from a travel blog, e.g., Wanderlust Explorer)
"Many people feel stressed rather than relaxed during the holiday season due to various obligations." (Opinion piece on a lifestyle website, e.g., Psychology Today Online)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "I'm dreaming of a white holiday..." (Lyric from the iconic song "White Christmas" in the film Holiday Inn or White Christmas)
Television Series: "This week's episode features the family preparing for their annual summer holiday road trip." (Episode synopsis for a sitcom, e.g., Modern Family)
Music (Song Title): "Holiday" (Title of a popular song by Green Day, also by Madonna, indicating a break from routine or celebration)
Video Games: "Complete the 'Winter Holiday Event' quests to earn exclusive in-game rewards!" (Event notification in a video game, e.g., Fortnite or World of Warcraft)
Social Media: "Just booked my dream holiday to Bali! Can't wait for some sun and relaxation. #travel #vacation #holidayvibes" (User post on Instagram or X)
General Public Discourse:
"Are you going away for the bank holiday weekend?" (Common question asked in everyday conversation)
"We decided to take a holiday from cooking and ordered takeout tonight." (Casual remark indicating a break from a regular activity)
"My favorite holiday is Christmas because of all the festive decorations and family gatherings." (Personal opinion shared in a discussion)
10 Famous Quotes Using Holiday
"Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves." (Eric Sevareid)
"A perpetual holiday is a good working definition of hell." (George Bernard Shaw)
"I dislike holidays. They are the day before the day before the day after." (Karl Kraus)
"The holiday season is a perfect time to reflect on our blessings and seek out ways to make life better for others." (Unknown)
"A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you've been taking." (Earl Wilson) - Metaphorical/Synonymous for "holiday"
"If you want to get rich, you have to be in business; if you want to be happy, you have to be on holiday." (Unknown)
"Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love." (Hamilton Wright Mabie) - Refers to the "holiday" season, specifically Christmas
"My idea of a perfect holiday is to be as far away from the human race as possible." (Unknown)
"The best part about the holiday season is getting to spend time with the people you love." (Unknown)
"Every day is a holiday when you are with the one you love." (Unknown)
Etymology
The word "holiday" has a fascinating origin that takes us back to Old English.
In simple terms, "holiday" comes from combining two older words:
"Holy" (from Old English "hālig," meaning "sacred" or "consecrated")
"Day" (from Old English "dæg")
So, the original meaning of "holiday" was literally "holy day."
Its first known use, dating back to before 950 AD, was specifically to refer to special religious days or festivals. These were days set aside for religious observance, where people would often be exempt from their usual work.
Over time, especially around the 14th century, the meaning of "holiday" started to expand. While it still referred to religious festivals, it also began to include any day when people were free from labor or work, for recreation or celebration, whether or not it had a religious connection. This is how we get the broader sense of "holiday" as a break from work or a vacation, which is more common today, especially outside of specific religious observances.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Holiday
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "holiday" or its synonyms for similar effect:
Bank holiday: A public holiday, especially in the UK and Ireland, when banks and most businesses are closed.
Holiday spirit: The festive, cheerful, and generous mood associated with the holiday season.
Holiday season: The period around Christmas and New Year's Day.
On holiday: Currently taking a vacation or break from work/school.
Take a holiday: To go on vacation or take a break from work.
Working holiday: A period of time spent abroad where a person works to support their travel.
Public holiday: A day recognized by the government as a holiday for the general public.
To make a holiday of something: To treat an ordinary event or task as if it were a special, enjoyable occasion.
Christmas holiday: The specific holiday period around Christmas.
Summer holiday: The extended break from school during the summer months.
To be in a holiday mood: To feel relaxed, happy, and ready for fun, like one is on vacation.
Holiday pay: Money paid to an employee for days they are on holiday.
Holiday leave: Authorized time off from work for a holiday.
A change is as good as a holiday: (Idiom using a synonym) A different activity or environment can be as refreshing as a vacation.
To get away from it all: (Idiom using a synonym) To go somewhere completely different to escape daily life and relax, often implying a vacation.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of holiday from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
