May Day

American  

noun

1. the first day of May, long celebrated with various festivities, as the crowning of the May queen, dancing around the Maypole, and, in recent years, often marked by labor parades and political demonstrations.

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May Day British  

noun

1. 1. the first day of May, traditionally a celebration of the coming of spring: in some countries now observed as a holiday in honour of workers

   2. ( as modifier )

      May-Day celebrations

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Etymology

Origin of May Day

First recorded in 1225–75; Middle English

Compare meaning

How does may-day compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• May Day vs. Labor Day

Example Sentences

Most markets were closed across Europe and Asia for May Day, marking a quiet end to a frantic week of tech earnings and central bank decisions.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

May Day celebrations in Izmir are taking place at Gundogdu Square, while in Diyarbakır they are being held at Istasyon Square.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

U.S. recognition of International Workers’ Day, also called May Day, originated as labor rights movements fought for economic fairness by pushing for better pay and working conditions.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

University presidents such as Kingman Brewster Jr. and A. Bartlett Giamatti, for example, spoke out about the Vietnam War, the Black Panthers and May Day protests.

From Salon • Nov. 8, 2025

Although by the end of May Day I look like someone dumped a huge basket of trash on top of me.

From "Wishtree" by Katherine Applegate