fortnight

American

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

noun

the space of fourteen nights and days; two weeks.

fortnight British

/ ˈfɔːtˌnaɪt /

noun

a period of 14 consecutive days; two weeks

"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 fortnight

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

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.

After the Newcastle game, United have four games in a fortnight, culminating in the FA Cup third-round tie with Brighton.

From BBC

It was only a fortnight ago when Liverpool threw away a two-goal lead at Leeds in the second half then conceded an injury-time equaliser after they retook the lead.

From BBC

Two further detainees awaiting trial in Palestine Action-related cases began refusing food in the last fortnight.

From BBC

A daughter of South Africa's former President Jacob Zuma has been sworn into parliament, less than a fortnight after her half-sister was forced to step down.

From BBC

That's something to work on for the quick rematch in a fortnight.

From BBC

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