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

The next fortnight feels like it will be Jannik Sinner versus the rest.

From BBC • May 23, 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

The two strikes came less than a fortnight after a large-scale, coordinated offensive by jihadists and separatists on junta positions, which plunged the west African country into a fresh security crisis.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

Here’s the money for the fortnight and give me the paper or keep it.

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