A1noun1K

Vacation

UK /["/veɪˈkeɪʃn//vəˈkeɪʃn/"]/US /["/veɪˈkeɪʃn//vəˈkeɪʃn/"]/

Definition

a period of time spent travelling or relaxing away from home

In simple words: A break from work or school to relax or travel.

Examples

  • I am going on a vacation to the beach next week.
  • During our family vacation, we visited several national parks.
  • She always saves money for her summer vacation in Europe.
  • His vacation starts in December, and he is very excited.
  • They spent their vacation exploring the mountains.

Usage notes

Use 'vacation' in both formal and informal contexts when discussing time off. In American English, 'vacation' is common, while British English often uses 'holiday' instead.

Grammar pattern

take + vacation

Memory hint

Think of 'vacation' as 'vacate' your work and 'take action' to relax.

Collocations

  • summer
  • winter
  • annual
  • get
  • go on
  • have
  • trip
  • destination
  • resort
  • on vacation
  • school
  • paid
  • spring
  • use
  • day
  • leave
  • time
  • on vacation

Synonyms

  • holiday
  • break
  • time off
  • leave

Antonyms

  • work
  • commitment

Common mistakes

  • 'Vacation' is often confused with 'vacationing' — remember that 'vacation' is a noun.
  • Learners sometimes use 'on vacation' instead of 'in vacation' — the correct phrase is 'on vacation'.