Holyday vs. Holiday

To spell "holiday" correctly, you can remember that it's a combination of "holy" and "day," but without the "y" in "holy." Alternatively, think of the joyous days you get off from work, where you'd say "hooray" and combine it with "day" to get "holiday."

The correct spelling is "holiday," while "holyday" is an often-made error. The difference between the two lies in the context. Historically, "holy day" was a term denoting religious observances, but in modern usage, it has converged into the singular word "holiday." The term "holiday" derives from Old English, "hāligdæg," with "hālig" meaning holy and "dæg" meaning day. Over time, its usage has expanded to include any day of exemption from work, not just religious observances.

obsolete form of holiday

A day fixed by law or custom on which ordinary activities are suspended in commemoration.

Holyday is an incorrect spelling of holiday.

A break from work or school.

An extended period of leisure and recreation, especially when spent away from home.

A day free from work that one may spend at leisure, especially a day on which custom or the law dictates a halting of general business activity to commemorate or celebrate a particular event.

A religious feast day; a holy day.

Chiefly British A vacation. Often used in the phrase on holiday.

To pass a holiday or vacation.

A day on which a festival, religious event, or national celebration is traditionally observed.

A day declared free from work by the state or government.

A period of one or more days taken off work for leisure and often travel; often plural.

A period during which pupils do not attend their school; often plural; rarely used for students at university (usually: vacation).

(finance) A period during which, by agreement, the usual payments are not made.

A gap in coverage, e.g. of paint on a surface, or sonar imagery.

(intransitive) To take a period of time away from work or study.

To spend a period of time in recreational travel.

A consecrated day; religious anniversary; a day set apart in honor of some person, or in commemoration of some event. See Holyday.

A day of exemption from labor; a day of amusement and gayety; a festival day.

A day fixed by law for suspension of business; a legal holiday.

Of or pertaining to a festival; cheerful; joyous; gay.

Occurring rarely; adapted for a special occasion.

leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure;

a day on which work is suspended by law or custom;

spend or take a vacation

A day of celebration or remembrance, often when work is suspended.

A period of leisure or recreation, especially one spent away from home.

People often mistakenly use "holyday," influenced by the words "holy" and "day."

No, "holiday" can refer to any day of celebration or leisure, not just religious events.

No, "holyday" is an incorrect spelling. The correct spelling is "holiday."

The word "holiday" comes from Old English "hāligdæg," which means "holy day."

"Holyday" can be viewed as an archaic term for religious observances, while "holiday" is a modern term referring to a day off or a vacation.

Yes, "holidays" is a plural form, and "holidaying" can be used to describe the act of taking a vacation.

Yes, in many parts of the world, "holiday" is synonymous with "vacation."

One could say: "We're planning a two-week holiday in Hawaii next summer."

Historical or religious contexts might prompt someone to use "holyday," but it's less common in modern English.

Certainly! Synonyms for "holiday" include vacation, break, recess, and leave.