Boxing Day

American  

[bok-sing dey] / ˈbɒk sɪŋ ˌdeɪ /

noun

1. (in the United Kingdom and many other members of the Commonwealth of Nations) the day after Christmas.

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Boxing Day British  

noun

1. the first day (traditionally and strictly, the first weekday) after Christmas, observed as a holiday

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Etymology

Origin of Boxing Day

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

Much of Aceh already had to be reconstructed with international assistance after 2004's Boxing Day tsunami, which killed more than 170,000 people in the province alone.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

On Boxing Day, Sir Keir said he was "delighted" the activist had arrived in the UK and had been "reunited with his loved ones" following his release from an Egyptian jail.

From BBC • Jan. 4, 2026

From the slogs in Perth, the wild drive in Brisbane, the reverse sweep in Adelaide or his Boxing Day bash, the England batter has been the most discussed touring player throughout this Ashes series.

From BBC • Jan. 4, 2026

United won 1-0 at home to Newcastle on Boxing Day, despite missing several injured players, including captain Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt, with three more at the Africa Cup of Nations.

From Barron's • Dec. 31, 2025

Perhaps Lady Constance had secretly planned to declare Boxing Day a day off for the servants of Ashton Place.

From "The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: Book I: The Mysterious Howling" by Maryrose Wood