midday: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral
Quick answer
What does “midday” mean?
The exact middle of the day.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The exact middle of the day; the time when the sun is at its highest point, traditionally 12 o'clock noon.
It can refer broadly to the period around noon, often used metaphorically to signify a peak, climax, or the brightest/clearest point of something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or core usage. "Noon" is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more formal or precise than "noon" in both varieties.
Frequency
"Noon" is generally more frequent in casual conversation in both BrE and AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “midday” in a Sentence
Preposition 'at' (at midday)Noun modifier (midday + noun)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “midday” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- The meeting is scheduled midday.
American English
- Let's meet midday at the plaza.
adjective
British English
- We took a break during the midday heat.
- The midday news is at 12:30.
American English
- We avoided the midday sun.
- The deadline is midday tomorrow.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Deadlines (e.g., 'The report is due by midday Friday'), scheduling meetings.
Academic
Describing historical events or astronomical observations timed to the sun's position.
Everyday
Making plans, referring to lunch, describing the weather (e.g., 'Avoid going out in the midday heat').
Technical
In astronomy, solar noon; in meteorology, for time-series data.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “midday”
- Using 'in the midday' (correct: *at* midday). Confusing it with 'afternoon'. Spelling as 'mid-day' (hyphenated form is archaic).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In common usage, yes. Technically, solar midday (when the sun is highest) can differ slightly from 12:00 on a clock due to time zones and daylight saving.
Yes, commonly as a noun modifier (e.g., midday meal, midday sun). It functions attributively.
You should say 'at midday'. 'On midday' is incorrect. Use 'on' with a specific date (e.g., on Monday at midday).
They are largely interchangeable. 'Midday' can feel slightly more precise or formal, and can refer to the broader period around noon. 'Noon' is more common in casual speech.
The exact middle of the day.
Midday is usually neutral in register.
Midday: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɪdˈdeɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɪdˌdeɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The mid-day sun (symbolising intense scrutiny or the height of power)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the word split: MID (middle) + DAY (day) = the middle of the day.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEAK/CLIMAX (The midday sun = the peak of intensity); CLARITY (As clear as midday = very obvious).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most precise synonym for 'midday'?