holiday
Translation
vacation, holiday, day off
Examples
We're going on holiday to Spain.
We're going on vacation to Spain.
Monday is a public holiday.
Monday is a public holiday.
Grammar Patterns
to go on vacation to go away for a period of rest We're going on vacation next week.
a public holiday a nationally recognized day off work Christmas Day is a public holiday.
Similar Words
Synonyms: vacation, break, leave
Etymology
From Old English 'hāligdæg', meaning 'holy day', a day of religious festival.
Memory Tips
Originally a 'holy day' for rest and worship, now a day for any kind of rest or travel. Note that in the US, 'holiday' often refers to a single day like Christmas, while 'vacation' is used for a longer trip.