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New Year's Day

American

noun

January 1, celebrated as a holiday in many countries.

New Year's Day British

noun

Often (US and Canadian informal) shortened to: New Year's. Jan 1, celebrated as a holiday in many countries

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of New Year's Day

Middle English word dating back to 1150–1200

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Fast-forward to the 17th century, pretzels became commonplace in Germany, where necklaces adorned with the baked goods were worn by children on New Year’s Day to usher in good luck.

From Salon • Apr. 28, 2026

He had been locked up since New Year’s Day.

From Slate • Apr. 28, 2026

Jacob Ulibarri spent about six hours on New Year’s Day last year squashing hot spots where the Lachman fire had burned.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

On New Year's Day, Tottenham were 12th and 12 points clear of the drop.

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026

I remember one time Baba took me to the yearly Buzkashi tournament that took place on the first day of spring, New Year’s Day.

From "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023