busman's holiday

noun

bus·​man's holiday ˈbəs-mənz- How to pronounce busman's holiday (audio)
: a holiday spent in following or observing the practice of one's usual occupation

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of busman's holiday was in 1893

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Cite this Entry

“Busman's holiday.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/busman%27s%20holiday. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

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