public holiday

Meaning

A day that is officially recognized by a country's government as a holiday, during which most businesses, banks, and schools are closed. Public transport may also run on a reduced Sunday schedule, which is important to keep in mind when traveling.

Examples

• Is the museum open on Monday, or is it a public holiday?

  Is the museum open on Monday, or is it a public holiday?

• Trains might run less frequently today because it's a public holiday.

  Trains might run less frequently today because it's a public holiday.

• Most shops are closed today for the national public holiday.

  Most shops are closed today for the national public holiday.

• We should book our hotel early since next weekend is a public holiday.

  We should book our hotel early since next weekend is a public holiday.

• Banks and post offices do not open on a public holiday.

  Banks and post offices do not open on a public holiday.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Tomorrow is a state holiday.

  ✓ Tomorrow is a public holiday.

  While 'state holiday' is used in specific regional contexts (like US states), 'public holiday' (or 'national holiday') is the universally understood term globally.

• ✗ I love public holidays days.

  ✓ I love public holidays.

  'Holiday' is already a noun. Adding the word 'days' after it is redundant and grammatically incorrect.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Since tomorrow is a ___, all the government offices will be closed.

  💡 An official non-working day established by law.

  Show answer

  public holiday

• Are the local buses running on a normal schedule, or is it a ___?

  💡 A national day off where transport schedules might change.

  Show answer

  public holiday