anzac day: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium-High (in Australia, New Zealand, and related historical/commemorative contexts)Formal, Commemorative, Historical, National
Quick answer
What does “anzac day” mean?
A national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, observed on 25 April, honouring members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, observed on 25 April, honouring members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.
The day commemorates the anniversary of the Gallipoli landings in 1915 during World War I. It has evolved into a broader commemoration of national sacrifice and identity, involving dawn services, parades, and ceremonies, and is often associated with values of courage, mateship, and endurance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Not a term of general use in the UK or US; it is specific to Australia and New Zealand. In the UK, comparable days are Armistice Day/Remembrance Sunday. In the US, comparable is Memorial Day. Outside Aus/NZ, it's primarily encountered in historical or international news contexts.
Connotations
In Aus/NZ: deep national significance, solemnity, pride, and historical reflection. Elsewhere: neutral historical reference or awareness of Australian/New Zealand culture.
Frequency
Very high frequency in Australia/New Zealand, especially in April. Very low frequency elsewhere.
Grammar
How to Use “anzac day” in a Sentence
observe [Anzac Day]commemorate [Anzac Day]attend [an Anzac Day service]fall on [Anzac Day]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anzac day” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The community will commemorate Anzac Day with a service.
American English
- Veterans gather to observe Anzac Day.
adjective
British English
- The Anzac Day dawn service is deeply moving.
American English
- The Anzac Day tradition is important to them.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a public holiday affecting business hours and operations in Australia and New Zealand.
Academic
Discussed in historical, sociological, and political studies of national identity, memory, and war.
Everyday
Used by the general public to refer to the public holiday, plans for ceremonies, or familial traditions of remembrance.
Technical
Used in military history and protocol documents detailing commemorative events.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anzac day”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anzac day”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anzac day”
- Misspelling as 'Anzac day' (incorrect capitalisation).
- Pronouncing ANZAC as individual letters A-N-Z-A-C instead of as a word /ˈænzæk/.
- Confusing it with Australia Day (26 Jan) or Waitangi Day (6 Feb in NZ).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While it commemorates the first major military action fought by ANZAC forces at Gallipoli in 1915, it now honours all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.
No, it is considered inappropriate. The day is one of solemn remembrance, not celebration. Common greetings are more formal or reflective, such as 'Lest we forget'.
A ceremonial event held at dawn on Anzac Day, replicating the time of the original Gallipoli landing. It typically involves hymns, the laying of wreaths, a period of silence, and the playing of 'The Last Post'.
A type of sweet biscuit made from oats, flour, coconut, sugar, butter, and golden syrup. They were originally sent to ANZAC soldiers abroad during WWI due to their long shelf life and are now traditionally baked and eaten around Anzac Day.
A national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, observed on 25 April, honouring members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.
Anzac day is usually formal, commemorative, historical, national in register.
Anzac day: in British English it is pronounced /ˈænzæk deɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈænzæk deɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them (closely associated phrase from the Ode of Remembrance recited on Anzac Day)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ANZAC = Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. DAY = the day we remember them. 'Anzac Day' sounds like 'ants act' - imagine ants (soldiers) acting bravely at dawn.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE NATION IS A FAMILY HONOURING ITS ANCESTORS; REMEMBRANCE IS A DAWN SERVICE (symbolising hope after darkness).
Practice
Quiz
What historical event is Anzac Day originally associated with?