May Day

noun

1. the first day of May, long celebrated with various festivities, as the crowning of the May queen, dancing around the Maypole, and, in recent years, often marked by labor parades and political demonstrations.

May Day

noun

1. 1. the first day of May, traditionally a celebration of the coming of spring: in some countries now observed as a holiday in honour of workers
   2. ( as modifier )

      May-Day celebrations

Word History and Origins

Origin of May Day¹

First recorded in 1225–75; Middle English

Example Sentences

I recollect your 'May-day in the morning'—cuss me, the best comick song I ever heard.

From Project Gutenberg

We had a lovely idea for a May-Day celebration, but we had to give it up, as we had no place to hold it.

From Project Gutenberg

My fancy adorned it with wreaths of flowers, and peopled the green bank with all the dancing revelry of May-day.

From Project Gutenberg

The original purport of most of the May-day ceremonials was unquestionably a demonstration of joy at the return of spring.

From Project Gutenberg

The old Puritan writers seem to have entertained a most profound horror of the ancient May-day festivities.

From Project Gutenberg