Holiday Meaning

UK /ˈhɒlɪdeɪ/
US /ˈhɑːlɪdeɪ/
Word Definition
holiday meaning

Holiday Definition & Usage

noun

A day of festivity or recreation when no work is done, often connected to cultural, religious, or national observances.

Examples

  • "Christmas is a widely celebrated holiday around the world."
  • "They have a public holiday on the first Monday of June."
  • "During the holiday season, many people choose to volunteer."
  • "We took a holiday in Italy last summer and loved the culture."
  • "Some businesses close for the holidays to allow their employees time off."
verb

To go on vacation; to take time off from work or responsibilities.

Examples

  • "We decided to holiday in the Caribbean this year."
  • "She will holiday in Europe for two weeks next month."
  • "They usually holiday at a beach resort each summer."
  • "After a long year at work, he’s planning to holiday in a remote cabin."
  • "Have you ever holidayed in a different country during the holidays?"

Cultural Context

The concept of a holiday has its roots in ancient traditions, often tied to agricultural cycles, religious observances, and seasonal changes. Over time, holidays have evolved to encompass family gatherings, festivities, and communal observances.

The Holiday Adventure

Story

The Holiday Adventure

It was the first day of summer break, and Emily and her family were buzzing with excitement. "Are we really going to the beach for the holiday?" she asked, her eyes wide with anticipation. "Of course!" replied her mom, beaming. "This is our time to relax and celebrate the season." As they packed their bags, Emily's little brother Timmy couldn't stop talking about building the best sandcastle ever. They had a family tradition of building elaborate sand structures each holiday, and this year he was determined to top last year's creation. "I think we should add a moat and maybe some shells!" he suggested, bouncing around in eagerness. When they finally arrived at the beach, the sun was shining, and waves crashed melodiously against the shore. "This is the perfect holiday spot," Dad declared, setting up the umbrella. While Mom prepared the picnic, Emily and Timmy raced towards the water, feeling both exhilaration and freedom wash over them. "Look, I’m holidaying like a real islander!" Timmy exclaimed, who was wearing a straw hat much too big for him. The days flew by in a whirlwind of joy, with morning surf lessons, afternoons spent playing beach volleyball, and evenings gathering around a bonfire. One evening, as they roasted marshmallows, they shared stories of funny holiday mishaps from past trips. "Remember that time we got lost on our way to Grandma’s house during the holidays?" Emily laughed. With every sunset, they reflected on the meaning of the holiday — not just as time away from work or school, but as a chance to reconnect as a family, share laughter, and create memories that would last a lifetime. The holiday transformed into a magical adventure, filled with the joy of discovery and togetherness, reminding them all of the beauty found in simple moments. As they packed to leave, Timmy sighed, "Can we come back next holiday?" and with smiles all around, they all agreed that a holiday at the beach would be an annual tradition from that moment on.

The Holiday Adventure