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B1 noun #48 most common 12 min read

holidays

Top 48

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips holidays in 30 Seconds

Explanation holidays in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'holidays' is one of the first words you learn about free time. It simply means a time when you do not have to go to school or work. For children, it means staying at home and playing. For adults, it might mean going to a different place like the beach or the mountains. You use it in simple sentences like 'I like holidays' or 'My holidays are in summer.' It is a happy word that everyone understands. You might learn it alongside words like 'sun,' 'sea,' 'family,' and 'fun.' At this level, don't worry about the difference between British and American English; just remember that holidays are for resting and having a good time. You might also learn about 'Christmas holidays' or 'summer holidays' as the main times when schools are closed. It is a very common word in basic English conversations about what you do in your spare time.

At the A2 level, you can start to use 'holidays' in more detailed sentences. You can talk about where you go and what you do. For example, 'Last year, I went to Spain for my holidays' or 'We usually spend our holidays with our grandparents.' You will learn the important phrase 'go on holiday.' You also start to learn about 'public holidays'—special days when all the shops and banks are closed, like New Year's Day. You can describe your holidays using simple adjectives like 'great,' 'boring,' 'long,' or 'short.' You might also learn about 'holiday photos' or 'holiday souvenirs.' At this level, you should be able to ask someone, 'Where did you go for your holidays?' and understand their answer. You are starting to see how holidays are a part of the culture and how people plan for them in advance.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'holidays' to discuss plans, preferences, and experiences in more depth. You can talk about different types of holidays, such as 'package holidays,' 'camping holidays,' or 'sightseeing holidays.' You understand the difference between 'on holiday' (the state of being away) and 'the holidays' (the period of time). You can use more complex grammar, like 'I'm looking forward to my holidays' or 'If I had more money, I would go on more holidays.' You also begin to notice the difference between British 'holidays' and American 'vacation.' You can describe the process of 'booking a holiday' or 'checking into a hotel.' You might also discuss the pros and cons of different holiday destinations. At this level, 'holidays' is a key word for social interaction and travel planning.

At the B2 level, you can use 'holidays' to discuss more abstract concepts like 'work-life balance' and the 'economic impact of tourism.' You can use the word in professional contexts, such as 'annual holiday entitlement' or 'holiday pay.' You are comfortable with idioms and common phrases like 'a busman's holiday' (a holiday where you do the same thing you do at work). You can write detailed reviews of your holidays or discuss the environmental impact of 'holiday travel.' You understand the nuances of 'bank holidays' in the UK and how they differ from 'federal holidays' in the US. You can also use the word as a modifier in complex noun phrases like 'holiday destination management' or 'holiday insurance policy.' Your vocabulary is rich enough to use synonyms like 'getaway' or 'retreat' to avoid repetition.

At the C1 level, you use 'holidays' with a high degree of precision and cultural awareness. You can discuss the sociological aspects of holidays, such as how they have changed over time from religious 'holy days' to secular periods of mass consumption. You are aware of the subtle differences in register between 'holidays,' 'vacation,' 'leave,' and 'sabbatical.' You can use the word in sophisticated arguments about labor laws or the psychology of rest. You understand the irony in phrases like 'the holiday from hell' and can use the word effectively in creative writing or formal reports. You are also familiar with the historical development of the 'paid holiday' and its importance in social history. Your use of collocations and idiomatic expressions is natural and varied, allowing you to express complex ideas about leisure and celebration.

At the C2 level, your mastery of the word 'holidays' is complete. You can use it in any context, from the most casual slang to the most formal academic discourse. You might explore the philosophical meaning of a 'holiday' as a 'liminal space'—a time outside of normal time. You can analyze the representation of holidays in literature and film, or discuss the geopolitical implications of 'holiday visas.' You are sensitive to the most subtle connotations of the word and can use it to evoke specific moods or cultural settings. Whether you are discussing the 'commodification of the holiday experience' or the 'spiritual significance of traditional holidays,' your use of the word is nuanced, accurate, and sophisticated. You can effortlessly switch between regional variations and registers, demonstrating a deep understanding of the English language's flexibility.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

holidays in 30 Seconds

Holidays are periods of time off from work or school, used for rest, travel, or celebrating special events and festivals.
In British English, 'holidays' is synonymous with 'vacation,' while in American English, it usually refers to festive seasons like Christmas.
The word can refer to individual trips (a summer holiday) or collective days off mandated by law (public or bank holidays).
Commonly used with the preposition 'on' (on holiday) and verbs like 'take,' 'book,' or 'spend' to describe leisure activities.

The term holidays is a multifaceted noun that primarily describes a period of cessation from regular work, study, or routine activities. In the United Kingdom and many Commonwealth nations, the word is used broadly to encompass what Americans typically refer to as a 'vacation.' It represents a designated time for rest, recreation, or travel. Beyond personal time off, the word also denotes specific days established by law or custom on which ordinary business is suspended to commemorate a religious or national event. Understanding the nuance of this word requires looking at both its individual application—such as a family trip to the seaside—and its collective application, such as a national bank holiday where the entire country pauses to celebrate. The concept of a holiday is deeply rooted in the human need for recuperation and the social need for shared celebration. When someone mentions their 'summer holidays,' they are referring to the extended break from school or work during the warmest months of the year. Conversely, if someone speaks of 'the holidays,' especially in a North American context, they are often referring to the festive period encompassing Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

Etymological Root: Derived from the Old English 'haligdag,' meaning 'holy day,' reflecting the historical origin of holidays as religious observances.

Regional Variation: In British English, 'holidays' is the standard term for any trip or time away, while American English distinguishes between 'vacation' (trips) and 'holidays' (calendar celebrations).

Grammatical Note: The word can be used as a countable noun ('We had two holidays this year') or as an uncountable concept in certain phrases ('I am on holiday').

The children are eagerly counting down the days until their summer holidays begin.

During the public holidays, most government offices and banks remain closed.

She spent her winter holidays skiing in the French Alps with her close friends.

The travel agency is offering significant discounts on all package holidays booked before March.

Many families prefer to stay at home during the holidays to host traditional dinners.

Furthermore, the word 'holidays' carries a strong emotional weight. It is associated with the relief of escaping daily pressures, the joy of discovery through travel, and the warmth of spending time with loved ones. In the modern world, the 'holiday industry' is a massive economic sector, including airlines, hotels, and tour operators, all dedicated to facilitating these periods of rest. The plural form 'holidays' is often used even when referring to a single trip in British English, such as 'I'm going on my holidays next week,' which can be confusing for learners accustomed to American English. Additionally, the term 'bank holiday' is specific to the UK and Ireland, referring to public holidays when banks and many other businesses close. Whether it is a religious festival like Eid or Christmas, or a secular break like a summer trip to Spain, holidays serve as essential markers in the calendar that allow individuals to reset and recharge.

Using the word holidays correctly involves understanding its grammatical patterns and common collocations. One of the most frequent ways to use the word is with the preposition 'on.' For example, 'We are going on holiday' or 'She is currently on holiday in Italy.' In these instances, 'holiday' is often used in the singular in British English, but 'holidays' in the plural is also common when referring to the entire period of time off, such as 'The school holidays are six weeks long.' When discussing the act of planning, we often use verbs like 'book,' 'plan,' or 'arrange.' You might say, 'We need to book our summer holidays before the prices increase.' In a professional context, you might 'take' a holiday, as in 'I think I need to take a few days' holiday to deal with some personal matters.' The word also frequently appears as a compound noun, such as 'package holidays,' 'public holidays,' or 'bank holidays.'

Verb Collocations: Common verbs used with holidays include: go on, take, spend, enjoy, book, cancel, and celebrate.

Adjective Modifiers: Holidays are often described as: annual, public, religious, summer, winter, paid, or well-deserved.

Prepositional Use: Use 'on holiday' for the state of being away, 'during the holidays' for the time period, and 'for the holidays' for the purpose.

After working twelve hours a day for a month, he really needed his holidays.

The company policy allows employees to carry over five days of unused holidays to the next year.

Are you planning to go abroad for your Christmas holidays this year?

The traffic was terrible because everyone was heading out of the city for the bank holiday holidays.

She sent a postcard to her parents while she was on her summer holidays in Greece.

Sentence structure also varies depending on whether you are talking about a specific event or a general habit. For instance, 'I usually spend my holidays at my grandmother's house' describes a recurring action. In contrast, 'We are having our holidays in Japan this year' refers to a specific, upcoming event. The word can also be used as a modifier in phrases like 'holiday destination,' 'holiday resort,' or 'holiday insurance.' When writing about holidays, it is important to consider the register. In formal writing, you might use 'vacation' or 'leave of absence,' whereas 'holidays' is perfectly acceptable in most neutral and informal contexts. In the United States, 'the holidays' almost exclusively refers to the period from late November to early January, so if you are writing for an American audience, be specific about whether you mean a trip or the festive season.

You will encounter the word holidays in a wide variety of everyday situations, ranging from casual conversations to formal announcements. In a workplace setting, colleagues often discuss their upcoming holidays during coffee breaks or lunch. You might hear someone ask, 'Have you got any holidays planned for this summer?' or 'Are you taking any time off for the holidays?' Human Resources departments will use the term when discussing 'holiday entitlement' or 'holiday pay.' In schools, teachers and students frequently talk about the 'half-term holidays' or the 'end-of-term holidays.' The word is also a staple of the travel and tourism industry. Travel agents, websites, and advertisements will use it constantly to sell 'luxury holidays,' 'activity holidays,' or 'last-minute holidays.' On the news, you might hear reports about 'holiday traffic' on the motorways or the impact of a 'bank holiday' on the economy.

Workplace Context: Discussions about 'booking holidays,' 'holiday rotas,' and 'annual holiday allowance' are common in offices.

Media and News: News outlets often report on 'holiday flight cancellations' or 'the busiest holiday weekend of the year.'

Social Interactions: Friends often share 'holiday photos' or talk about their 'holiday experiences' after returning from a trip.

The radio announcer warned of long delays on the M25 due to the start of the school holidays.

'I'm really looking forward to the holidays,' said Mark as he closed his laptop on Friday afternoon.

The department store was decorated with festive lights to welcome the Christmas holidays.

The Prime Minister announced a new public holidays to celebrate the national anniversary.

Many people choose to go on walking holidays in the Lake District to enjoy the scenery.

In literature and film, holidays are often used as a setting for character development or plot twists. A 'holiday romance' is a common trope in movies, where two people fall in love while away from their normal lives. Similarly, 'holiday horror' is a subgenre where a relaxing trip turns into a nightmare. In songs, holidays are often celebrated as a time of freedom and happiness. The word is ubiquitous because the concept it represents is a universal human experience. Whether you are reading a travel brochure, listening to a weather forecast that mentions 'perfect holiday weather,' or simply chatting with a neighbor about their recent trip, 'holidays' is a word that connects people through shared aspirations for rest and adventure.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with the word holidays is confusing it with the American English term 'vacation.' While they can be synonymous, their usage depends heavily on the geographic context. In the UK, saying 'I'm going on vacation' sounds distinctly American, whereas in the US, 'I'm going on holiday' sounds British. Another common error is the incorrect use of prepositions. Many learners say 'in holiday' instead of the correct 'on holiday.' For example, 'I was on holiday last week' is correct, but 'I was in holiday last week' is not. There is also confusion between the singular 'holiday' and the plural 'holidays.' In British English, 'on holiday' usually refers to the state of being away, while 'the holidays' often refers to a specific period like the school break. Another mistake is using 'holidays' when 'day off' would be more appropriate. A 'holiday' usually implies a longer period or a special occasion, whereas a 'day off' is just a single day when you don't work.

Preposition Errors: Incorrect: 'He is in holiday.' Correct: 'He is on holiday.' Incorrect: 'During my holiday.' Correct: 'On my holiday' or 'During the holidays.'

Singular vs. Plural: In British English, 'the summer holidays' (plural) is standard for the school break, but 'a summer holiday' (singular) refers to one specific trip.

Holiday vs. Day Off: A 'holiday' is typically a planned break or a public event. A 'day off' is simply a day you are not scheduled to work.

Wrong: I am going to have a holidays in London. Right: I am going to have a holiday in London.

Wrong: We celebrate Christmas holidays with my family. Right: We celebrate the Christmas holidays with my family.

Wrong: I have a holidays tomorrow. Right: I have a day off tomorrow.

Wrong: Are you going to holidays? Right: Are you going on holiday?

Wrong: The holidays is coming. Right: The holidays are coming.

Furthermore, learners often struggle with the distinction between 'public holidays' and 'bank holidays.' While they are often used interchangeably in the UK, a 'bank holiday' is technically a day when banks are closed by law, which usually results in a general public holiday. Another subtle mistake is using 'holidays' to refer to a weekend. A weekend is just two days at the end of the week; it is not a 'holiday' unless it coincides with a public celebration. Finally, be careful with the spelling. Some learners mistakenly write 'hollidays' with two 'l's. Ensuring you use the correct spelling, preposition, and regional term will significantly improve your fluency when discussing your time off.

While holidays is a very common word, there are several alternatives that can be used depending on the context and the desired level of formality. The most obvious alternative is 'vacation,' which is the standard term in American English for a trip or time away from work. In a professional or corporate environment, 'annual leave' or simply 'leave' is the preferred term. For example, 'I am taking two weeks of annual leave in August.' If you are referring to a very short break, words like 'getaway' or 'mini-break' are often used. A 'sabbatical' is a much longer period of leave, often granted to academics or long-term employees for study or travel. For religious or cultural celebrations, words like 'festival,' 'feast day,' or 'observance' might be more precise. If you are staying at home during your time off, the modern portmanteau 'staycation' is frequently used.

Vacation vs. Holiday: 'Vacation' is American; 'Holiday' is British. Both refer to time away for pleasure.

Leave vs. Holiday: 'Leave' is formal and professional; 'Holiday' is general and informal.

Break vs. Holiday: A 'break' is usually shorter (e.g., 'a weekend break') than a full 'holiday.'

We are planning a short weekend getaway to the countryside to escape the city noise.

The professor is currently on sabbatical, researching his new book in Florence.

Employees are entitled to twenty-five days of paid annual leave per year.

The city comes alive during the annual film festival in October.

Due to the travel restrictions, many families opted for a staycation in their own garden.

Choosing the right word depends on the register and the specific type of break you are describing. For instance, 'time off' is a very versatile and informal way to refer to any period when you are not working. 'I need some time off' could mean an afternoon or a month. 'Furlough' is a specific term for a temporary leave of absence, often due to economic conditions, which became very common during the COVID-19 pandemic. In academic settings, the period between terms is often called 'vacation' even in the UK (e.g., 'the Christmas vac'). By expanding your vocabulary to include these synonyms and related terms, you can describe your periods of rest and celebration with much greater precision and variety.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

In the past, almost all holidays were religious. It wasn't until the 19th century that secular 'bank holidays' were officially introduced in the UK by Sir John Lubbock to give workers more time off.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈhɒl.ɪ.deɪz/

US /ˈhɑː.lə.deɪz/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: HOL-i-days.

Rhymes With

always doorways pathways stairways anyways sideways waterways highways

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'o' as a long 'o' (like 'holy') instead of a short 'o'.
Stressing the second or third syllable instead of the first.
Omitting the 's' at the end when referring to a period of time.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'holiness'.
Not making the 'd' sound clear in the final syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is very common and usually easy to understand in context.

Writing 3/5

Learners must be careful with the spelling (one 'l') and the plural 's'.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but the UK/US distinction is important.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognized in both British and American accents.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

day work school travel fun

Learn Next

vacation itinerary accommodation destination leisure

Advanced

sabbatical furlough statutory commemoration liminality

Grammar to Know

Prepositions of Time

We use 'on' for specific days (on Christmas Day) and 'in' for periods (in the holidays).

Plural Nouns

Holidays is a plural noun and requires plural verbs (The holidays are coming).

Compound Nouns

Holiday can act as a modifier in compound nouns like 'holiday resort'.

Articles with Holidays

We say 'on holiday' (no article) but 'the summer holidays' (with article).

Verb Patterns with 'Spend'

I spent my holidays (time) traveling (gerund).

Examples by Level

I love my summer holidays.

Me encantan mis vacaciones de verano.

Simple subject + verb + possessive adjective + noun.

We have no school in the holidays.

No tenemos escuela en las vacaciones.

Use of 'in the holidays' to describe a time period.

Are you happy on your holidays?

¿Estás feliz en tus vacaciones?

Question form with 'on' as the preposition.

My holidays are in August.

Mis vacaciones son en agosto.

Plural noun 'holidays' takes the plural verb 'are'.

We go to the beach for holidays.

Vamos a la playa por vacaciones.

Simple present for a general habit.

I see my friends in the holidays.

Veo a mis amigos en las vacaciones.

Using 'in the holidays' as a time expression.

Holidays are fun.

Las vacaciones son divertidas.

General statement using plural noun.

I want a long holiday.

Quiero unas vacaciones largas.

Singular 'holiday' used as a countable noun.

We went on holiday to Italy last year.

Fuimos de vacaciones a Italia el año pasado.

Past simple of 'go' + 'on holiday'.

I usually spend my holidays with my family.

Suelo pasar mis vacaciones con mi familia.

Adverb of frequency 'usually' with the verb 'spend'.

Is Monday a public holiday in your country?

¿Es el lunes un día festivo en tu país?

Compound noun 'public holiday'.

She is taking her holidays in July this year.

Ella se toma sus vacaciones en julio este año.

Present continuous for a planned future event.

Did you take many photos on your holidays?

¿Hiciste muchas fotos en tus vacaciones?

Past simple question with 'on your holidays'.

The school holidays start next week.

Las vacaciones escolares empiezan la semana que viene.

Plural noun 'school holidays' as the subject.

We stayed in a hotel during our holidays.

Nos alojamos en un hotel durante nuestras vacaciones.

Preposition 'during' used with 'our holidays'.

I need a holiday because I am very tired.

Necesito unas vacaciones porque estoy muy cansado.

Using 'because' to give a reason for needing a holiday.

We've just booked our summer holidays to Greece.

Acabamos de reservar nuestras vacaciones de verano a Grecia.

Present perfect with 'just' and 'booked'.

I prefer activity holidays to lying on a beach.

Prefiero las vacaciones de actividad a estar tumbado en la playa.

Comparison using 'prefer... to...'.

How much holiday entitlement do you get at work?

¿Cuántos días de vacaciones te corresponden en el trabajo?

Compound noun 'holiday entitlement' (uncountable here).

The Christmas holidays are a busy time for shops.

Las vacaciones de Navidad son una época de mucho trabajo para las tiendas.

Plural subject 'holidays' with plural verb 'are'.

We are going on a package holiday to save money.

Vamos a ir de vacaciones con todo incluido para ahorrar dinero.

Compound noun 'package holiday'.

She spent the whole of her holidays studying for exams.

Pasó todas sus vacaciones estudiando para los exámenes.

Verb 'spend' + time + gerund (-ing).

What are your plans for the bank holiday weekend?

¿Cuáles son tus planes para el fin de semana de puente?

Compound noun 'bank holiday weekend'.

I always get travel insurance before my holidays.

Siempre contrato un seguro de viaje antes de mis vacaciones.

Preposition 'before' used with 'my holidays'.

The government has declared a national holiday to celebrate the victory.

El gobierno ha declarado un día festivo nacional para celebrar la victoria.

Present perfect 'has declared' with 'national holiday'.

Many people find it difficult to switch off from work during their holidays.

A mucha gente le resulta difícil desconectar del trabajo durante sus vacaciones.

Infinitive 'to switch off' following 'find it difficult'.

The region relies heavily on the income from summer holidays.

La región depende en gran medida de los ingresos de las vacaciones de verano.

Verb 'relies' followed by the preposition 'on'.

He took a busman's holiday by spending his time off visiting other factories.

Se tomó unas vacaciones de trabajo pasando su tiempo libre visitando otras fábricas.

Use of the idiom 'busman's holiday'.

The school has strict rules about taking children out of class for holidays.

La escuela tiene normas estrictas sobre sacar a los niños de clase por vacaciones.

Gerund 'taking' after the preposition 'about'.

We decided to opt for a staycation this year due to the rising costs of travel.

Decidimos optar por unas vacaciones en casa este año debido al aumento de los costes de los viajes.

Infinitive 'to opt' followed by 'for'.

The holiday season is traditionally a time for family gatherings.

La temporada de vacaciones es tradicionalmente una época de reuniones familiares.

Compound noun 'holiday season'.

She was entitled to thirty days of paid holiday per annum.

Tenía derecho a treinta días de vacaciones pagadas al año.

Adjective 'paid' modifying 'holiday'.

The concept of the 'paid holiday' was a significant milestone in labor rights.

El concepto de 'vacaciones pagadas' fue un hito significativo en los derechos laborales.

Noun phrase as the subject of the sentence.

The relentless commercialization of the holidays has stripped them of their original meaning.

La implacable comercialización de las fiestas las ha despojado de su significado original.

Present perfect 'has stripped' with 'of'.

After years of service, she was granted a six-month sabbatical as a holiday from her duties.

Tras años de servicio, se le concedió un año sabático de seis meses como descanso de sus obligaciones.

Passive voice 'was granted' with 'sabbatical'.

The sudden cancellation of the flights turned their dream holidays into a logistical nightmare.

La repentina cancelación de los vuelos convirtió sus vacaciones de ensueño en una pesadilla logística.

Metaphorical use of 'nightmare'.

He argued that holidays are not merely a luxury but a psychological necessity.

Argumentó que las vacaciones no son simplemente un lujo, sino una necesidad psicológica.

Correlative conjunction 'not merely... but...'.

The town's economy is fragile, as it is entirely dependent on the holiday trade.

La economía del pueblo es frágil, ya que depende totalmente del comercio vacacional.

Adjective 'dependent' followed by 'on'.

The film explores the tensions that arise when a family is forced to spend the holidays together.

La película explora las tensiones que surgen cuando una familia se ve obligada a pasar las vacaciones junta.

Relative clause 'that arise when...'.

Despite the rain, they maintained their holiday spirit and enjoyed the trip.

A pesar de la lluvia, mantuvieron su espíritu festivo y disfrutaron del viaje.

Preposition 'Despite' followed by a noun phrase.

The sociological shift from religious holy days to secular holidays reflects broader changes in society.

El cambio sociológico de los días sagrados religiosos a las vacaciones seculares refleja cambios más amplios en la sociedad.

Complex sentence structure with a comparative focus.

The holiday serves as a liminal period, allowing individuals to transcend their daily identities.

Las vacaciones sirven como un periodo liminal, permitiendo a los individuos trascender sus identidades cotidianas.

Use of the academic term 'liminal period'.

The pervasive influence of social media has transformed holidays into a series of curated photo opportunities.

La influencia generalizada de las redes sociales ha transformado las vacaciones en una serie de oportunidades fotográficas seleccionadas.

Present perfect 'has transformed' with 'into'.

The environmental toll of mass holidays is a subject of increasing academic scrutiny.

El coste medioambiental de las vacaciones de masas es objeto de un creciente escrutinio académico.

Noun phrase 'environmental toll' as the subject.

She reflected on the ephemeral nature of holiday romances, which burn brightly but briefly.

Reflexionó sobre la naturaleza efímera de los romances de vacaciones, que arden con fuerza pero brevemente.

Relative clause with a metaphorical description.

The legislative framework governing public holidays varies significantly across the European Union.

El marco legislativo que regula los días festivos varía significativamente en toda la Unión Europea.

Participle phrase 'governing public holidays' modifying 'framework'.

The holiday was marred by a sense of existential dread that he couldn't quite shake off.

Las vacaciones se vieron empañadas por una sensación de pavor existencial que no lograba sacudirse.

Passive voice 'was marred' with 'by'.

To many, the holidays represent a sanctuary from the relentless pace of modern capitalism.

Para muchos, las vacaciones representan un santuario frente al ritmo implacable del capitalismo moderno.

Metaphorical use of 'sanctuary'.

Common Collocations

go on holiday

summer holidays

public holiday

bank holiday

book a holiday

holiday destination

holiday resort

paid holiday

holiday insurance

spend a holiday

Common Phrases

Happy Holidays!

— A general greeting used during the winter festive season, especially in the US. It is inclusive of various religious celebrations.

He waved to his neighbors and shouted, 'Happy Holidays!'

on holiday

— Currently taking a break or traveling for pleasure. This is the standard British English phrase.

I'm sorry, Mr. Smith is on holiday and won't be back until Monday.

for the holidays

— During the period of a specific holiday, often used for returning home to see family.

Are you going back to your hometown for the holidays?

holiday of a lifetime

— An exceptionally wonderful or expensive trip that someone only takes once. It is a dream vacation.

Their safari in Africa was truly the holiday of a lifetime.

package holiday

— A holiday organized by a travel agent, with the cost of travel and accommodation included in the price.

We usually prefer package holidays because they are easier to organize.

school holidays

— The periods during the year when schools are closed and students have no classes.

The traffic is always worse during the school holidays.

holiday home

— A second house that someone owns and uses only for their holidays.

They have a small holiday home in the mountains where they go every winter.

holiday romance

— A short-lived romantic relationship that happens while someone is on holiday.

She knew it was just a holiday romance, but she still felt sad to leave.

take a holiday

— To decide to have a period of rest or to go away for a trip.

You look stressed; you really should take a holiday.

during the holidays

— In the period of time when the holidays are occurring.

We did a lot of hiking during the holidays.

Often Confused With

holidays vs vacation

The main difference is regional. British people say 'holiday' for a trip; Americans say 'vacation.'

holidays vs holy day

While 'holiday' comes from 'holy day,' the latter is now used only for religious observances.

holidays vs day off

A day off is just one day you don't work. A holiday is usually longer or a special event.

Idioms & Expressions

"a busman's holiday"

— A holiday where you spend your time doing something similar to your normal work. It comes from the idea of a bus driver taking a bus trip on his day off.

The chef spent his holiday taking a cooking class—a real busman's holiday!

informal

"holiday from hell"

— A holiday that is extremely unpleasant or disastrous due to bad luck, poor planning, or terrible service.

Between the lost luggage and the food poisoning, it was the holiday from hell.

informal

"home for the holidays"

— Returning to one's family home to celebrate a festive period together.

All the children are coming home for the holidays this year.

neutral

"holiday spirit"

— A feeling of happiness, generosity, and excitement that people have during a festive season.

The decorations in the street really put me in the holiday spirit.

neutral

"no holiday"

— A situation that is not easy or pleasant; a difficult task.

Raising three toddlers is no holiday, I can tell you that.

informal

"all-expenses-paid holiday"

— A trip where someone else (often a company or a contest) pays for everything, including travel, food, and hotel.

She won an all-expenses-paid holiday to the Bahamas in a magazine competition.

neutral

"working holiday"

— A trip where you work to earn money while you are traveling, often using a special visa.

He is going to Australia on a working holiday to pick fruit.

neutral

"holiday blues"

— A feeling of sadness or depression that some people experience during or after a holiday period.

Many people suffer from the holiday blues once they return to the office in January.

informal

"blind as a holiday"

— An old, rare expression meaning very drunk (not commonly used today but found in literature).

He came home blind as a holiday after the office party.

archaic/slang

"make a holiday of it"

— To turn a necessary trip or task into an enjoyable holiday experience.

Since we have to go to the conference in Miami, let's stay for the weekend and make a holiday of it.

informal

Easily Confused

holidays vs vacation

They mean the same thing but are used in different countries.

In the UK, 'holiday' is used for everything. In the US, 'holiday' is for Christmas/Thanksgiving, and 'vacation' is for a trip to the beach.

UK: 'I'm on holiday.' US: 'I'm on vacation.'

holidays vs leave

Both refer to time away from work.

'Leave' is a formal, administrative term used by employers. 'Holiday' is the general word for the fun time you have.

I have requested two weeks of leave for my summer holiday.

holidays vs break

Both mean a pause in work or school.

A 'break' is usually shorter (like a 15-minute coffee break or a weekend break). A 'holiday' is usually longer.

We are taking a short break this weekend, but our main holiday is in August.

holidays vs festival

Both involve celebrations.

A 'festival' is a specific event with performances or rituals. A 'holiday' is the time you have off to attend it.

We went to the music festival during our summer holidays.

holidays vs sabbatical

Both are long periods of time off.

A 'sabbatical' is specifically for professional development or research, usually lasting months or a year. A 'holiday' is for rest.

He is on a year-long sabbatical, which is much longer than a normal holiday.

Sentence Patterns

I like [type] holidays.

I like summer holidays.

I went to [place] for my holidays.

I went to France for my holidays.

I am thinking of going on holiday to [place].

I am thinking of going on holiday to Japan.

Holidays are a great way to [verb].

Holidays are a great way to recharge your batteries.

The importance of holidays cannot be [verb]ed.

The importance of holidays cannot be overstated.

While some view holidays as [noun], others see them as [noun].

While some view holidays as a luxury, others see them as a fundamental right.

We usually spend our holidays [verb]ing.

We usually spend our holidays hiking in the woods.

Are you going on holiday [time]?

Are you going on holiday next month?

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation, travel media, and workplace administration.

Common Mistakes

I am in holiday. → I am on holiday.
We use the preposition 'on' to describe being in the state of having a holiday.
I have a holidays tomorrow. → I have a day off tomorrow.
A 'holiday' usually refers to a longer period or a special event. For a single day of not working, use 'day off.'
The holidays is very fun. → The holidays are very fun.
'Holidays' is a plural noun and must be followed by a plural verb like 'are.'
I am going to vacation in London. → I am going on holiday in London. (UK context)
While 'vacation' is correct in the US, in a British context, 'holiday' is the preferred term.
We had a great holliday. → We had a great holiday.
The word 'holiday' is spelled with only one 'l.'

Tips

Preposition Power

Always use 'on' with holiday when describing your status. 'I'm on holiday' is one of the most useful phrases you can learn.

UK vs US

If you want to sound more like a native speaker, match your choice of 'holiday' or 'vacation' to the country you are in or the person you are talking to.

Workplace Wisdom

In an office, use 'annual leave' when talking to your boss about your time off. It sounds more professional than 'my holidays.'

Small Talk

Asking about someone's holidays is a great way to start a conversation. People usually love talking about their travels and experiences.

Single L

Remember that 'holiday' only has one 'l'. It's a common mistake to write 'holliday,' so be careful!

Inclusive Greetings

Use 'Happy Holidays' if you are not sure which specific festival someone celebrates during the winter season. It's polite and inclusive.

Insurance First

Whenever you book a holiday, always get 'holiday insurance.' It protects you if something goes wrong, like a flight cancellation.

Plural Verbs

Because 'holidays' ends in 's,' it is plural. Always use plural verbs: 'The holidays were great,' not 'The holidays was great.'

Staycation Trend

The word 'staycation' is very popular now. Use it to describe a holiday where you don't leave your home city or country.

The 'Hols'

In very informal British English, you might hear people say 'the hols.' For example, 'See you after the hols!' It's a fun, short version of the word.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Holy Day' where you don't have to work. 'HOLI' sounds like 'Holy,' and 'DAYS' are the time you have off. HOLI-DAYS.

Visual Association

Imagine a bright yellow sun (for summer holidays) and a wrapped gift (for festive holidays) next to a calendar with the word 'FREE' written on it.

Word Web

Beach Travel Relax Family No Work Summer Winter Celebration

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about your dream holiday using the words 'destination,' 'relaxing,' and 'unforgettable.' Share them with a friend.

Word Origin

The word 'holiday' originated from the Old English word 'haligdag,' which is a combination of 'halig' (holy) and 'dag' (day). Originally, it referred exclusively to religious festival days. Over time, the meaning broadened to include any day of exemption from labor.

Original meaning: A holy day; a day set aside for religious observance.

Germanic (Old English)

Cultural Context

When using 'Happy Holidays,' be aware that it is intended to be inclusive of all faiths, but some people prefer specific greetings like 'Merry Christmas.'

In the UK, 'bank holidays' are a unique cultural staple. In the US, 'the holidays' is a very common term for the period between late November and early January.

The song 'Holiday' by Madonna. The movie 'The Holiday' starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet. The poem 'The Holidays' by various authors celebrating the end of school.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Travel Planning

book a holiday
holiday destination
travel insurance
itinerary

Workplace

annual leave
holiday pay
request time off
holiday rota

School

term break
summer holidays
half-term
back to school

Socializing

Where are you going?
Have a great holiday!
How was your trip?
holiday photos

Festivals

public holiday
celebrate
traditional food
family gathering

Conversation Starters

"Do you have any exciting holidays planned for this year?"

"What was the best holiday you have ever been on?"

"Do you prefer relaxing holidays on the beach or active ones in the mountains?"

"How do you usually spend the winter holidays in your country?"

"If you could go on a holiday anywhere in the world, where would you go?"

Journal Prompts

Describe your perfect holiday. Where would you go, who would you be with, and what would you do?

Write about a holiday experience that didn't go as planned. What happened and how did you feel?

Reflect on why holidays are important for mental health and well-being.

Compare a holiday you had as a child with a holiday you had recently. How have your preferences changed?

Discuss the impact of tourism on your favorite holiday destination. Is it positive or negative?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Both are correct. Use 'holiday' (singular) for a specific trip: 'I had a great holiday.' Use 'holidays' (plural) for a period of time: 'The school holidays are long.' In British English, 'on holiday' is very common.

In the UK and Ireland, a bank holiday is a public holiday when banks and most other businesses are closed. They usually fall on a Monday, creating a long weekend.

No, the correct preposition is 'on.' You should say 'I am on holiday.' You can also say 'during the holidays' when referring to a time period.

It is a greeting used in December and January to include all the different festivals like Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. It is very common in the United States.

A package holiday is a trip where you pay one price for everything: flights, hotel, and sometimes food and transfers. It is organized by a travel company.

Yes, but 'vacation' is American English and 'holiday' is British English. If you are in London, say 'holiday.' If you are in New York, say 'vacation.'

You can say, 'I would like to request some time off for a holiday' or 'Can I take two weeks of annual leave in July?' Most companies have a formal process for this.

A staycation is a holiday where you stay at home and visit local attractions, or travel within your own country instead of going abroad.

Public holidays are days that are officially recognized by the government as days off for the whole country, such as Independence Day or New Year's Day.

Yes, in British English, you can say 'We are holidaying in Scotland this year,' meaning you are spending your holiday there. It is quite formal.