ˈhɑːləˌdeɪ 
British ˈhɒlədi
plural holidays
1
: a special day of celebration
a religious holiday
: a day when most people do not have to work
July 4 is a national holiday in the U.S.
The stock market is closed tomorrow because it's a holiday.
—often used before another nounholiday gifts/parties
Do you have any plans for the holiday weekend? [=a weekend that is preceded or followed by a holiday]
Note: In U.S. English, the holiday season and the holidays refer to the time from November until the beginning of January during which many holidays are celebrated.
2
British
: vacation
She'll have four weeks' holiday next year.
She spent two weeks on holiday [=(US) on vacation] in Italy.
We're planning on taking a holiday in the Caribbean.
—often pluralShe went to the Caribbean for her holidays.
He spent the summer holidays in Spain.
holidays; holidayed; holidaying
British
: to spend a holiday in or at a particular place : vacation
She likes holidaying in the Caribbean.
Cite this Entry
“Holiday.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/holiday. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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