vacation

American  

[vey-key-shuhn, vuh-] / veɪˈkeɪ ʃən, və- /

noun

1. a period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, or travel; recess or holiday.

   Schoolchildren are on vacation now.

2. a part of the year, regularly set aside, when normal activities of law courts, legislatures, etc., are suspended.

3. freedom or release from duty, business, or activity.

4. an act or instance of vacating.

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verb (used without object)

1. to take or have a vacation.

   to vacation in the Caribbean.

vacation British  

/ vəˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. a period of the year when the law courts or universities are closed

2. a period in which a break is taken from work or studies for rest, travel, or recreation Also called (in Britain and certain other countries) holiday

3. the act of departing from or abandoning property, etc

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verb

1. (intr) to take a vacation; holiday

Other Word Forms

• minivacation
  noun
• prevacation
  noun
• vacationer
  noun
• vacationist
  noun
• vacationless
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of vacation

First recorded in 1350–1400; from Latin vacātiōn-, stem of vacātiō “freedom from something”; equivalent to vacate + -ion; replacing Middle English vacacioun, from Anglo-French

Explanation

A vacation is a time specifically set aside for enjoyment or relaxation, like a dream vacation to Hawaii. Vacation began as an Old French word, meaning "freedom or release" from an activity or occupation — like summer vacation. There's no school. During summer vacation, you'll do lots of things — but you won't be in school. You might even go somewhere for a vacation. Another meaning of vacation is "voiding something legal," like the vacation of the old law about not tying your horse in front of City Hall.

Example Sentences

That means consumers are grappling with high costs ahead of the summer travel season, as they consider vacation plans.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

I remember being really mad at my parents in 1984, that they had chosen to leave L.A. for vacation right as the Games were starting, instead of attending.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

It would be smart to tell the organizer of the vacation first, says Sara Jane Ho, another etiquette expert and host of the podcast “Hot Water.”

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

Much of Europe is on vacation on Friday and Monday is a holiday in the U.K., which means markets for more conventional assets, like stocks, will be closed.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

Mom said she learned the FBI was investigating her during our vacation.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

Related Words

• break
• holiday
• layoff
• recess
• respite
• rest
• sabbatical
• time off