Definition of Holiday
Quick Meaning of Holiday
A special day or vacation when you don't go to work or school, often to celebrate something or relax.
Detailed Definition of Holiday
A day or period of time when people do not work and often celebrate a special occasion.
How to Pronounce Holiday
Stress pattern: Ooo (3-syllable word).
Tip: Stress the first syllable strongly: HAL-i-day. Don't stress the middle syllable.
Watch out: Often pronounced with stress on the second syllable /həˈlɪdeɪ/; correct stress is on first syllable.
Origin and Etymology of Holiday
From Old English 'haligdæg' meaning sacred day.
How to Use Holiday in a Sentence
Each example shows “holiday” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“Christmas is my favorite holiday because I get to spend time with family.”
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“We took a two-week holiday in Spain last summer.”
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“During the school holiday, children don't attend classes.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Holiday
Common Synonyms for Holiday
Smart Synonyms for Holiday — When to Use Each
- vacation
- for a trip away from home
- break
- for time off work or school
- celebration
- when focusing on the occasion itself
Common Collocations with Holiday
These phrases pair with “holiday” in everyday English:
- public holiday
- bank holiday
- holiday season
- go on holiday
- holiday break
Common Mistakes When Using Holiday
Even fluent speakers slip up with “holiday”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The holiday is coming next week.
- ✓ Correct: The holidays are coming next week.
- Why: When referring to multiple celebrations or vacation periods, use plural 'holidays' with plural verb form 'are'.
- ✗ Wrong: I will go on holiday tomorrow to Italy.
- ✓ Correct: I will go on holiday to Italy tomorrow.
- Why: Time expressions like 'tomorrow' typically follow the destination; place expressions come before time expressions.
Other Forms of Holiday
- Noun: holiday
- Adjective: holiday (in compounds like holiday season)
Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday
What is the meaning of "Holiday"?
A special day or vacation when you don't go to work or school, often to celebrate something or relax.
How do you pronounce "Holiday"?
The IPA is /ˈhɑːlədeɪ/. Stress the first syllable strongly: HAL-i-day. Don't stress the middle syllable.
What part of speech is "Holiday"?
"Holiday" is a noun at A1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Holiday"?
Common synonyms include vacation, break, celebration.
How do you use "Holiday" in a sentence?
For example: "Christmas is my favorite holiday because I get to spend time with family."