fortnight

American  

[fawrt-nahyt, -nit] / ˈfɔrtˌnaɪt, -nɪt /

noun

1. the space of fourteen nights and days; two weeks.

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fortnight British  

/ ˈfɔːtˌnaɪt /

noun

1. a period of 14 consecutive days; two weeks

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Etymology

Origin of fortnight

First recorded before 1000; Middle English fourtenight, contraction of Old English fēowertēne niht; see fourteen, night

Explanation

A fortnight is fourteen nights, or two weeks. This word isn't used much in American English, but you'll come across it if you travel to England — or read a lot of old British novels. The word fortnight is still in use in Great Britain and some former British colonies. It comes from the Old English, and is literally a shortened form of fourteen nights. People sometimes use it when they're discussing their vacations or their pay schedules. In the United States, however, people typically just say "two weeks."

Example Sentences

The head of Peru's election authority told AFP that the results of Sunday's presidential election may not be known for a fortnight, dashing hopes of a quick resolution to the ultra-tight race.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

County elections officials will report the results for most ballots by 15 June, nearly a fortnight after the 2 June election.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

A total of 989 people arrived in the UK in 14 boats between Friday and Monday, after almost a fortnight without any crossings.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

If Richardson returning is going to spark a revival in Raducanu's career it would likely not happen over the next fortnight, given her lack of match fitness and a tricky draw.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

What are we to do when we have to pay rent in a fortnight?

From "Angela's Ashes: A Memoir" by Frank McCourt