holiday

noun

hol·i·day | \ ˈhä-lə-ˌdā

, British usually ˈhä-lə-dē\

Definition of holiday

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : holy day an important Muslim holiday

2 : a day on which one is exempt from work specifically : a day marked by a general suspension of work in commemoration of an event will be closed for the July 4th holiday a national holiday plans for the holiday weekend

3 chiefly British : vacation —often used in the phrase on holiday going on holiday —often used in plural spent the summer holidays in Spain

4 : a period of exemption or relief corporations enjoying a tax holiday

holiday

verb

holidayed; holidaying; holidays

Definition of holiday (Entry 2 of 3)

intransitive verb

: to take or spend a vacation or holiday (see holiday entry 1 sense 2) especially in travel or at a resort : vacation will holiday this year at the shore

Holiday

biographical name

Hol·i·day | \ ˈhä-lə-ˌdā

Definition of Holiday (Entry 3 of 3)

Eleanora 1915–1959 Billie American jazz singer

Other Words from holiday Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about holiday

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Synonyms for holiday

Synonyms: Noun

break, hols [British], leave, recess, vacation

Synonyms: Verb

vacation

Examples of holiday in a Sentence

Noun

July 4 is a national holiday in the U.S. The stock market is closed tomorrow because it's a holiday. She'll have four weeks' holiday next year. We're planning on taking a holiday in the Caribbean.

Verb

She likes holidaying in the Caribbean. saw kangaroos while holidaying in Australia

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

But what PenaVega lacks in decor skills, she more than makes up for in holiday spirit. — Jessica Radloff, Glamour, "Why Alexa PenaVega Loves Starring in Hallmark Christmas Movies," 23 Dec. 2018 While December is known for its holiday spirit, this month also guarantees shorter and darker days. — Kelly O'sullivan, Country Living, "Winter Solstice 2018: Who Celebrates the First Day of Winter?," 20 Dec. 2018 In that tale, a gravedigger named Gabriel Grubb who hates Christmas is kidnapped by goblins who help him regain the holiday spirit. — Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, "Here's Who Actually Wrote 'A Christmas Carol,' and Other Fascinating Facts About the Story," 20 Dec. 2018 The Brits aren't the only royals getting into the holiday spirit. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Royal Zaddy Prince Carl Philip of Sweden Gets Into the Holiday Spirit with His Adorable Baby," 17 Dec. 2018 Common sense, specific circumstances, and holiday spirit should always be your guide. — Sam Dangremond, Town & Country, "The Definitive Guide to Holiday Tipping," 17 Dec. 2018 Try these majorly cute outfits to get in the holiday spirit. — Kelsey Stiegman, Seventeen, "5 Genius Ways To Make Your Ugly Christmas Sweater Look Cute AF," 16 Oct. 2018 With a few handy tools and a modicum of holiday spirit, mini lights can be repaired. — David Agrell, Popular Mechanics, "How to Fix a String of Christmas Lights," 12 Oct. 2018 At the holiday party on Dec. 14, Mr. Kroll made an early exit. — Yoree Koh, WSJ, "The Tech Whiz Behind Vine and HQ Trivia Made Millions in His 20s. He Was Dead by 34.," 15 Feb. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The couple that holidays together must be real, right?! — Noelle Devoe, Seventeen, "A Complete Timeline of Cole Sprouse and Lili Reinhart's Relationship," 30 July 2018 The couple that holidays together must be real, right?! — Noelle Devoe, Seventeen, "A Complete Timeline of Cole Sprouse and Lili Reinhart's Relationship," 30 July 2018 Steve Paikin, a television host, told his fellow Canadians to holiday elsewhere. — The Economist, "To resist Trump, Canadians try local ketchup," 5 July 2018 Shaw caused outrage this week when a picture of him holidaying in Ibiza appeared across social media. — SI.com, "Luke Shaw Determined to Prove Doubters Wrong as He Enters Final Year of Man Utd Contract," 1 July 2018 The hot weather likely drew a few pesky and uninvited guests to holiday picnics this past weekend. — Suzanne Baker, Naperville Sun, "It's time to start thinking about mosquito deterrents," 29 May 2018 He was also mocked for dressing his family in Bollywood garb on a trip to India, and holidaying on a private Caribbean island. — The Economist, "Anti-elitist politicians in Canada are courting immigrants," 19 Apr. 2018 Damon and Hemsworth are no strangers to holidaying together. — Alexia Fernandez, PEOPLE.com, "Chris Hemsworth and Matt Damon Celebrate Easter Together with Their Families in Australia," 2 Apr. 2018 Charles and his sons had been holidaying in Klosters just before the wedding and had posed for the annual photo call with the media, which none of them enjoys. — Penny Junor, Vanities, "How Camilla Won Over the Queen and Became the Duchess of Cornwall," 28 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'holiday.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.