holliday: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to informal
Quick answer
What does “holliday” mean?
A day of celebration or recreation when no work is done.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A day of celebration or recreation when no work is done.
A period of leisure and recreation away from one's usual home or work; a vacation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, 'holiday' = vacation. In US English, 'holiday' = a single day of observance (e.g., Christmas), while 'vacation' = extended break.
Connotations
UK: Generic term for any break. US: Specific to cultural/religious observances.
Frequency
High frequency in both varieties, but the referent differs.
Grammar
How to Use “holliday” in a Sentence
go on holidaytake a holidaybe on holidayfor the holidaysVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “holliday” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They holiday in Cornwall every summer.
American English
- They vacation in Maine every summer.
adverb
British English
- The shops are closed bank holiday Monday.
American English
- The shops are closed Memorial Day.
adjective
British English
- We're looking for a holiday cottage.
American English
- We're looking for a vacation rental.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In business, 'holiday pay' and 'statutory holiday' are key terms.
Academic
Used in social sciences to discuss cultural practices and tourism.
Everyday
Very common in conversation about plans, travel, and time off work/school.
Technical
Used in legal/HR contexts to refer to statutory entitlements.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “holliday”
- Incorrect: 'I will holiday in Spain.' (Correct: 'I will go on holiday to Spain.')
- US speakers might incorrectly use 'holiday' for a multi-week break.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, primarily in UK English (e.g., 'We holiday in Greece'), though it is somewhat formal. In US English, 'vacation' is the typical verb.
In US English, 'holiday' is a single day of observance (Thanksgiving). 'Vacation' is an extended period of leisure. In UK English, 'holiday' covers both meanings.
A 'bank holiday' is a public holiday in the UK and some other Commonwealth countries, on which banks and many businesses are closed.
Yes, especially in US English, 'the holidays' often refers to the period from late November to early January, encompassing Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year.
A day of celebration or recreation when no work is done.
Holliday is usually neutral to informal in register.
Holliday: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɒl.ɪ.deɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɑː.lə.deɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Busman's holiday”
- “Holiday of a lifetime”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'HOLY day' (original meaning) evolving into a day off.
Conceptual Metaphor
HOLIDAY IS A CONTAINER (full of fun); HOLIDAY IS A JOURNEY (away from routine).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence is most likely from a UK English speaker?