Labor Day

American  

noun

1. (in the U.S.) a legal holiday, commonly the first Monday in September, in honor of labor.

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Labor Day British  

noun

1. (in the US and Canada) a public holiday in honour of labour, held on the first Monday in September

2. (in Australia) a public holiday observed on different days in different states

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Labor Day Cultural  

1. A national holiday in the United States and Canada in honor of working people. Labor Day is observed on the first Monday in September.

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Etymology

Origin of Labor Day

First recorded in 1885–90

Compare meaning

How does labor-day compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• May Day vs. Labor Day

Example Sentences

Workers in Indonesia marked the international labor day Monday with rallies in major cities across Southeast Asia’s largest economy.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 30, 2023

Similar events to mark the international labor day were expected in other Asian countries since COVID-19 restrictions were drastically loosened worldwide.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 30, 2023

Around the world, millions of workers worldwide are marking international labor day trapped between hunger and fear, as more countries and states reopen for business even though the coronavirus pandemic is far from vanquished.

From Washington Times • May 1, 2020

Being both dependent on daily income and susceptible to deportation leaves them doubly vulnerable to employers seeking manual labor, day labor advocates say.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 4, 2015

There may be a justification for the eight-hour labor day, but I make the work- day of water just twenty-four hours' long.

From The Little Lady of the Big House by London, Jack