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

Example Sentences

Avoid what we call “vacation mentality” when going through this important exercise.

From MarketWatch

“I mean—money, six months vacation, live wherever you want. And you’re serving the nation. What other job allows that much flexibility?”

From The Wall Street Journal

During a gaggle aboard Air Force One, on the way to his vacation, he told reporters he has a special relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

From Salon

Naturally, the couple segues into another disagreement, arguing about where to spend their upcoming vacation — a hot-button issue, since Joan’s cancer treatments are no longer working and time is suddenly precious.

From Salon

While luxe vacations and private schooling give children clues that they are wealthy, many families don’t share their true net worths, fearful of spoiling them or dimming their motivation to earn.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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