weekend

American  

[week-end, -end] / ˈwikˌɛnd, -ˈɛnd /

noun

1. the end of a week, especially the period of time between Friday evening and Monday morning.

   We spent the weekend at Virginia Beach.

2. this period as extended by one or more holidays, days off, or the like, that immediately precede or follow.

   We're getting a three-day weekend at Christmas.

3. any two-day period taken or given regularly as a weekly rest period from one's work.

   I have to work at the hospital on Saturdays and Sundays, so I take my weekends on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

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adjective

1. of, for, or on a weekend.

   a weekend pass; a weekend excursion.

verb (used without object)

1. to pass the weekend, as at a place.

   They weekended at their country place.

weekend British  

noun

1. 1. the end of the week, esp the period from Friday night until the end of Sunday

   2. ( as modifier )

      a weekend party

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verb

1. informal (intr) to spend or pass a weekend

Usage

What does weekend mean? The weekend is most commonly considered the period between Friday evening and the end of Sunday.More strictly speaking, the weekend is thought to consist of Saturday and Sunday (often regardless of whether the calendar week is considered to begin on Sunday or Monday).In practical terms, the weekend is typically considered to be the period between the end of the workweek (or school week) and the beginning of a new one—which is why most people consider their weekend to start on Friday night, after work or school.Of course, not everyone works a Monday-to-Friday schedule. A person who normally works on the weekend (on Saturday and Sunday) will probably consider any two-day stretch that they don’t have to work as their weekend.Any additional days off on either side of a weekend are often considered part of the weekend. For example, a day off for a holiday on Friday or Monday will result in a three-day weekend. Or you could take off on Monday and Tuesday for a long weekend.Weekend can also be used as an adjective in reference to something that happens on a weekend (as in a weekend session), lasts only for a weekend (as in a weekend trip), or only applies during a weekend (as in weekend hours).Much less commonly, weekend can be used as a verb meaning to spend a weekend somewhere, as in We like to weekend in the Hamptons. This sense can sound a bit fancy or even pretentious (the same thing can be said about summer when it’s used as a verb).The word weekends can be used as an adverb meaning every weekend or on or during weekends, as in I work weekends, so I always miss my son’s Saturday games.Example: I spent the weekend at the beach, but now I have to go back to work.

Etymology

Origin of weekend

First recorded in 1875–80; week + end ¹

Example Sentences

Suzuka, which hosted the Japanese Grand Prix last weekend and is regarded as possibly the most challenging circuit on the calendar, was a test case for the new rules.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Over the weekend, Yemen’s Houthi rebels entered the conflict, stoking fears of disruptions to the Bab al-Mandeb strait—a critical chokepoint linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

Temperatures are expected to be warm over the weekend, ranging in the 70s to mid-80s even along the coast, the weather service said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

Alcoa, Century Aluminum, and other mining stocks were jumping on Monday, after Iran targeted two major Middle Eastern aluminum producers over the weekend.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

There’s no way Nalu can be busy all weekend.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila

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