'holiday' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'hāligdæg,' where 'hālig' meant 'holy' and 'dæg' meant 'day.'

'hāligdæg' transformed into the Middle English word 'holidai,' and eventually became the modern English word 'holiday.'

Initially, it meant 'a religious festival or day of rest,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a day of festivity or recreation.'