Cool MateBirthday
UK /["/ˈbɜːθdeɪ/"]/US /["/ˈbɜːrθdeɪ/"]/
Definition
the day in each year which is the same date as the one on which you were born
In simple words: The day you were born, celebrated every year.
Examples
- I had a wonderful birthday party last weekend.
- We celebrate his birthday with a big cake every year.
- My birthday is in July, so I love summer celebrations.
- Every birthday makes me feel older and wiser.
Usage notes
Use 'birthday' to refer to the anniversary of someone’s birth. It’s neutral and appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, like invitations or greetings. Avoid using it disrespectfully or in a context where someone’s birth is being made fun of.
Grammar pattern
birthday + of + person
Memory hint
Think of 'birth-day' as a special day marking your arrival into the world.
Collocations
- last
- next
- have
- spend
- celebrate
- gift
- present
- card
- for your birthday
- on your birthday
- happy birthday!
- wish somebody a happy birthday
Synonyms
- anniversary
- celebration
- birth anniversary
Antonyms
- funeral
Common mistakes
- Forgetting to use 'happy' before 'birthday' in greetings.
- Confusing 'birthday' with 'anniversary' — they are not the same.
- Using 'birth day' as two separate words.