holiday 1 of 2

noun

ˈhä-lə-ˌdā How to pronounce holiday (audio)
Definition of holidaynext
chiefly British
as in vacation
a period during which the usual routine of school or work is suspended the member of parliament met his wife while on holiday in the south of France

Synonyms & Similar Words

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holiday

2 of 2

verb

as in to vacation
to take or spend a vacation saw kangaroos while holidaying in Australia

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of holiday
Noun
This Cuisinart hand mixer comes in handy for everything from weekend pancakes to holiday cookies. — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026 But in August, the boys went with Charles to Scotland for their customary holiday with the Windsors at Balmoral Castle. — Allie Merriam, Vanity Fair, 1 Sep. 2026
Verb
The entire piece is heavily indebted to Crowley’s former Golden Dawn master Allan Bennett, who the Great Beast had holidayed with in Ceylon in 1901. — Stewart Home august 22, Literary Hub, 22 Aug. 2025 The group argues that domestic production is impossible, decorations are critical to holiday retail sales and that tariffs effectively force businesses to choose between operating at a loss and closing. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for holiday
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holiday
vacation
Noun
  • After Joplin police reached out to the FBI, the campaign manager told federal authorities that Ross wanted the drugs planted in Secker’s car or purse while Ross was on vacation in South Carolina, the affidavit alleges.
    — Ava Kelley, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Linen, washed cotton, lightweight knits, and silk all have a natural ease to them that works beautifully on vacation.
    — Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of vacation

Browse Nearby Words

holey
holiday
holidayed
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Cite this Entry

“Holiday.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holiday. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on holiday

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about holiday

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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