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

See Examples For:

Labor Day

All this changes when both houses of Congress return after Labor Day and legislative activity ramps up.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 6, 2026

And in Myrtle Beach, S.C., officials instituted an “umbrellas-only rule” from Memorial Day through Labor Day citing safety.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 5, 2026

After next week, deal flow may slow during the usually sleepier months of July and August and pick back up again after Labor Day.

From Barron's ● Jun. 26, 2026

President Trump told the New York Post in an interview that the blockade in Iran could last until Labor Day, though he added that he thought that possibility was “unlikely.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 3, 2026

“I’m going back to school after Labor Day, I think. I meant to tell you as soon as my plans were settled.”

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith