long vacation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1neutral, leaning formal
Quick answer
What does “long vacation” mean?
A long period of holiday, typically lasting several weeks or more, especially away from work or formal education.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A long period of holiday, typically lasting several weeks or more, especially away from work or formal education.
An extended break from routine responsibilities, often implying rest, travel, or leisure activities. In academic contexts, it specifically refers to the long summer break between academic years.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, "long vacation" is a formal term for the university summer holiday. In the US, the equivalent academic term is "summer break" or "summer vacation." In general, non-academic use, "long vacation" is understood but less common than "extended vacation" or "long holiday."
Connotations
UK: Strongly academic/formal. US: More general, but "vacation" itself is more common than "holiday."
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English, particularly in university contexts. Lower frequency in everyday US English, where "long trip" or "extended vacation" might be preferred.
Grammar
How to Use “long vacation” in a Sentence
[Subject] + take/have/plan + a long vacation[Subject] + go on + a long vacation + to/in + [Location]during/over + the + long vacationVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “long vacation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They are vacationing in Spain for the entire summer.
American English
- We plan to vacation out West for a couple of months.
adjective
British English
- The long-vacation period is when many students find temporary work.
American English
- We're looking for a long-vacation rental by the lake.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to extended paid leave or a sabbatical, e.g., 'She's on a long vacation to deal with family matters.'
Academic
The official long break between university terms, especially summer (UK).
Everyday
A long holiday trip, e.g., 'We're saving for a long vacation in Japan.'
Technical
Not typically a technical term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “long vacation”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “long vacation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “long vacation”
- Using 'long holidays' (UK) interchangeably with 'long vacation' (more US) can cause register confusion.
- Incorrect preposition: 'in a long vacation' (should be 'on a long vacation').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A sabbatical is a specific type of long, often paid, leave for study or travel, usually granted to academics or professionals. A 'long vacation' is a more general term.
It would be atypical. 'Long vacation' usually implies several weeks or months. For 10 days, 'extended break' or simply 'holiday/vacation' is more natural.
In UK English, 'holiday' is the general term; 'long vacation' is the specific academic term. In US English, 'vacation' is the general term, and 'long vacation' is simply a lengthy one.
No, this is incorrect. The correct phrase is 'a long vacation'. 'Long' already modifies the time aspect.
A long period of holiday, typically lasting several weeks or more, especially away from work or formal education.
Long vacation is usually neutral, leaning formal in register.
Long vacation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɒŋ vəˈkeɪʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlɔːŋ veɪˈkeɪʃ(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To recharge one's batteries (on a long vacation)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LONG road on a map leading to a beach (VACATION spot). The road's length represents the duration.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS SPACE (a 'long' period); A BREAK IS A CONTAINER (you are 'in' or 'on' vacation).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'long vacation' a formal, fixed term?