n. & v.
--n.
1. esp. Brit. (often in pl.) an extended period of recreation, esp. away from home or in travelling; a break from work (cf. VACATION).
2 a day of festivity or recreation when no work is done, esp. a religious festival etc.
3 (attrib.) (of clothes etc.) festive.
--v.intr. esp. Brit. spend a holiday.
Phrases and idioms:
holiday camp Brit. a camp for holiday-makers with accommodation, entertainment, and facilities on site. holiday centre a place with many tourist attractions. holiday-maker esp. Brit. a person on holiday. on holiday (or one's holidays) in the course of one's holiday. take a (or make) holiday have a break from work.
Etymology: OE haligd{aelig}g (HOLY, DAY)