high holidays: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal / Religious / Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “high holidays” mean?
The most sacred and important religious festivals in Judaism, specifically Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The most sacred and important religious festivals in Judaism, specifically Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).
In broader, often non-religious or figurative use, it can refer to any major annual holiday period, especially one involving a break from work or school.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used identically in both dialects when referring to the Jewish holidays. 'High holidays' is slightly more common in UK English as a descriptor for the late summer/early autumn period.
Connotations
In both: Primarily religious/Jewish. In a secular UK context, it can loosely connote the August bank holiday period or the Christmas/New Year break.
Frequency
More frequent in American English due to larger Jewish population and more common public discourse about Jewish observances.
Grammar
How to Use “high holidays” in a Sentence
The [Jewish/entire] community prepares for the High Holidays.Schools are closed for the High Holidays.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “high holidays” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The community will gather to observe the High Holidays.
- Many people fast during the High Holidays.
American English
- Families travel across the country to celebrate the High Holidays together.
- The synagogue holds multiple services for the High Holidays.
adverb
British English
- (Not typically used as an adverb)
American English
- (Not typically used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- The high-holiday period is a time for solemnity.
- We sent out high-holiday greetings to our relatives.
American English
- High Holiday preparations begin weeks in advance.
- She bought a new dress for the High Holiday season.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Notices regarding office closures or reduced staffing: 'The office will observe limited hours during the High Holidays.'
Academic
In religious studies or sociology papers discussing Jewish ritual calendars.
Everyday
Discussing plans: 'We're visiting family for the High Holidays.'
Technical
In Jewish theology, referencing the most sacred period of the liturgical year.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “high holidays”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “high holidays”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “high holidays”
- Using 'high holidays' uncapitalized for non-Jewish holidays (e.g., Christmas) is often considered incorrect or informal.
- Confusing 'High Holidays' (Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur) with the three pilgrimage festivals (Passover, Shavuot, Sukkot).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are synonymous. 'High Holy Days' is a slightly more formal variant.
It is not standard. While some people might use it loosely in phrases like 'the Christmas high holiday season', it is primarily a Jewish religious term. Using it for Christmas could be seen as insensitive or inaccurate.
The 'high' denotes their supreme importance, solemnity, and spiritual elevation within the Jewish religious year.
They occur in the early autumn (September or October), based on the Hebrew lunar calendar. Rosh Hashanah is the first, followed ten days later by Yom Kippur.
The most sacred and important religious festivals in Judaism, specifically Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).
High holidays is usually formal / religious / journalistic in register.
High holidays: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ ˈhɒl.ə.deɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ ˈhɑː.lə.deɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"The High Holidays are a time for reflection and repentance." (Fixed phrase)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'HIGH importance' = 'HIGH Holidays'. They are the most elevated, solemn days in the Jewish year.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPIRITUAL ELEVATION IS PHYSICAL HEIGHT (High = important, solemn, close to God). TIME FOR REFLECTION IS A JOURNEY (A spiritual journey undertaken during this period).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'high holidays' used most precisely and correctly?