public holiday: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

In the UK, practically yes, as all bank holidays are public holidays. Technically, 'bank holiday' refers to days under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act, but it's the common term for all public holidays.

It depends on your country's employment law and your contract. In some places, you are entitled to paid leave, in others you might get premium pay for working, or no automatic entitlement.

A 'national holiday' often specifically commemorates the nation itself (e.g., Independence Day). A 'public holiday' is any day the government declares a general day off; it can be national, religious (e.g., Christmas), or commemorative (e.g., Labour Day). All national holidays are public holidays, but not vice-versa.

Again, this varies by country and employer. In many systems, if a public holiday falls on a weekend, the following Monday (or sometimes Friday) is given as a 'day in lieu' or 'substitute day'. You must check local rules.

A day established by law (national, state/province, or local government) on which most businesses and schools are closed and people do not have to work.

Public holiday is usually neutral to formal. common in official, business, and travel contexts. in register.

Public holiday: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpʌblɪk ˈhɒlədeɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpʌblɪk ˈhɑːlədeɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.