martin luther king day: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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What does “martin luther king day” mean?
A U.
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Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A U.S. federal holiday honoring the life and achievements of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., observed on the third Monday of January.
A day of remembrance, service, and reflection on the civil rights movement and Dr. King's philosophy of nonviolent social change; often a focal point for community service initiatives and educational programs about racial equality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
This is a specifically American holiday. In the UK, it is not a public holiday and is referenced mainly in historical or cultural discussions about the U.S.
Connotations
In US contexts: Civil rights, national history, day off work/service. In UK contexts: A foreign, American cultural reference.
Frequency
High frequency in the US, especially in January. Very low frequency in the UK outside specific academic or news contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “martin luther king day” in a Sentence
[verb] + Martin Luther King Day (e.g., observe, celebrate)Martin Luther King Day + [verb] (e.g., falls on, honors)On + Martin Luther King DayVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “martin luther king day” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The university will mark Martin Luther King Day with a lecture series.
American English
- How does your company observe Martin Luther King Day?
adjective
British English
- The Martin Luther King Day commemorations were covered in the news.
American English
- We're planning a Martin Luther King Day service project.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Announcements of office closures or holiday schedules.
Academic
Discussions of civil rights history, American studies, or social justice.
Everyday
Making plans for the long weekend, discussing school closures.
Technical
Legal or governmental documents specifying federal holidays.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “martin luther king day”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “martin luther king day”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “martin luther king day”
- Incorrect: *Martin Luther King's Day (official name lacks possessive).
- Incorrect: *Luther King Day (omitting 'Martin').
- Incorrect: *Martin King Day (omitting 'Luther').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a federal holiday in the United States, meaning federal government offices are closed and many private businesses grant a day off.
Its purpose is to honor the life, work, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and it is often promoted as a 'day of service' to the community.
It is primarily an American holiday. Some cities or organizations in other countries, like the Netherlands or Japan, may hold commemorative events, but it is not a public holiday elsewhere.
'MLK Day' is a common, informal abbreviation for 'Martin Luther King Day,' making it quicker to say and write, especially in headlines and casual conversation.
A U.
Martin luther king day is usually formal in register.
Martin luther king day: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɑː.tɪn ˌluː.θə ˈkɪŋ deɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɑːr.t̬ən ˌluː.θɚ ˈkɪŋ deɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A day on, not a day off (common slogan promoting service)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'MLK' for Martin Luther King. The 'Day' is in cold January, linking to his January birthday.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE HOLIDAY IS A MEMORIAL (a physical space/time dedicated to memory); A DAY OF SERVICE IS A GIFT (giving time benefits the community).
Practice
Quiz
When is Martin Luther King Day observed in the United States?