Definition of vacation

Short definition: The word vacation means a period of time when people stop working or studying and take a break to relax or travel. People use it to talk about holidays, family trips, or special moments when they can enjoy life without daily responsibilities.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word vacation? The word vacation is closely connected to rest, freedom, and happiness. It is the time people look forward to after weeks or months of hard work, when they can finally slow down, travel, or simply enjoy life without pressure. In everyday life, vacation is not just about going somewhere far away, but about giving yourself space to breathe, relax, and feel refreshed again. Below, each meaning is explained in a relaxed and natural way, with explanations that feel human instead of stiff like a textbook.

Noun forms: vacation, vacations
Verb forms: vacation, vacations, vacationing, vacationed
Related: holiday n., break n.
Syllable: va-ca-tion

1. A period of time when you stop working or studying to rest or travel.

   In its most common meaning, a vacation is time set aside to step away from daily routines. People take vacations to recharge their energy, spend time with family, or explore new places. Even a short vacation can make a big difference in how refreshed and motivated someone feels afterward.

   After months of overtime, she finally took a vacation to rest and enjoy quiet mornings by the beach.
   They planned their summer vacation for weeks, excited to escape the city and enjoy fresh air in the mountains.
   Sometimes a simple vacation at home feels just as good as traveling far away.

   Synonyms: holiday, break, time off, leave, getaway, rest period, days off, recess, pause from work, escape time, leisure time, downtime
   Antonyms: work period, busy schedule, duty time, workdays, school term, grind, routine days, labor time, office days, study time, work cycle, duty shift

2. A time for relaxation and enjoyment away from daily stress.

   Beyond schedules, a vacation is also a feeling. It is the sense of freedom that comes when you don’t have to rush or worry about deadlines. Even staying in your own city can feel like a vacation if you give yourself permission to relax and enjoy the moment.

   For him, reading by the lake felt like a perfect vacation, even though he never left town.
   She said the weekend felt like a mini vacation, because she finally had time just for herself.
   Being away from emails and meetings made the whole trip feel like a real vacation.

   Synonyms: relaxation time, leisure break, stress-free time, peaceful days, restful period, happy break, carefree time, easy days, chill time, comfort days, quiet escape, joyful rest
   Antonyms: stressful time, busy days, pressure period, exhausting routine, tiring schedule, hectic life, nonstop work, daily grind, heavy workload, tense days, rushed time, work stress

3. (Verb) To spend time отдых or traveling for pleasure.

   As a verb, vacation means taking time away from work to rest or travel. It is more common in American English, where people say they are “vacationing” instead of just “on holiday.”

   They decided to vacation in a small coastal town, enjoying quiet mornings and simple food.
   She usually vacations with her family, because traveling together makes the memories stronger.
   He plans to vacation abroad next year, hoping to experience a completely different culture.

   Synonyms: travel for fun, go on holiday, take a break, go away, get away, relax away from work, take time off, go on a trip, enjoy time off, rest away, go sightseeing, travel for pleasure
   Antonyms: work continuously, stay on duty, keep working, remain busy, stay at the office, continue duties, not take a break, skip holidays, stay on task, work nonstop, stay productive, keep grinding

4. A special time that people plan carefully and look forward to.

   For many, a vacation is more than free time— it is something to dream about. People save money, choose destinations, and imagine moments of happiness long before it begins.

   Planning the vacation kept her motivated through months of hard work.
   He marked the start of his vacation on the calendar, counting the days with excitement.
   For the kids, summer vacation means freedom, fun, and no school alarms in the morning.

   Synonyms: dream trip, planned break, special getaway, long-awaited rest, holiday plan, travel dream, big break, yearly escape, special leave, long break, awaited time off, holiday season
   Antonyms: unwanted duty, forced work, busy season, nonstop routine, stressful period, work pressure, obligation time, tiring phase, heavy schedule, school term, office season, work cycle

5. A word that represents freedom from routine.

   Sometimes vacation is not about the calendar at all. It represents the idea of stepping away from pressure, even for a short moment. It reminds people that rest is not a luxury, but something everyone truly needs.

   Just sitting quietly with a book felt like a small vacation from her busy life.
   That peaceful walk in the park gave him a feeling of vacation in the middle of the week.
   Sometimes your mind needs a vacation even more than your body does.

   Synonyms: mental break, emotional rest, escape from routine, pause from stress, fresh moment, breath of air, calm time, peaceful pause, rest for the mind, inner break, quiet moment, stress-free moment
   Antonyms: constant pressure, nonstop stress, endless routine, mental overload, burnout, exhaustion, daily grind, no rest, heavy pressure, tiring cycle, busy life, stressful routine