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

Either of these shapes are certainly delightfully appropriate for a May-Day luncheon if they are attainable.

From Gala Day Luncheons A Little Book of Suggestions by Burrell, Caroline Benedict

This volume contains nearly all the pieces included in the former editions of "Poems" and "May-Day," beside other poems not hitherto published.

From Birds in the Bush by Torrey, Bradford

Then Chapman returned to the humour-comedy and produced two capital specimens of it in May-Day and The Widow's Tears.

From A History of Elizabethan Literature by Saintsbury, George

Thus May-Day rites, which have come to us through Roman and Druidical channels, are remains of a very early worship.

From The Scrap Book, Volume 1, No. 3 May 1906 by Various

The clock is telling that it is five, the immemorial hour at which the May-Day hymn is wont to soar heavenwards.

From Doctor Cupid by Broughton, Rhoda