Holidaymakers

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Individuals who travel to a destination for leisure or recreation purposes
2. People who take time away from work or regular activities to enjoy vacation experiences
3. Tourists who engage in leisure activities and may stay at accommodations during their time away

Etymology: "Holidaymakers" is simply the plural of "holidaymaker," a compound formed from "holiday" and "maker." The first element traces back to the Old English "hāligdæg," meaning "holy day," a religious feast or saint's day, and the sense of a day off from work or a trip away only developed much later. The second element, "maker," is the ordinary agent noun from the verb "make," so a holidaymaker is literally one who makes a holiday, that is, one who takes time away from ordinary routines. The word's structure is plain and transparent, with no surprising detours in its formation. Its meaning reflects how "holiday" itself shifted from sacred observance toward leisure, a change that happened gradually over the centuries.

Synonyms: vacationers, tourists, travelers, visitors, excursionists