Day
/deɪ/
Definitions
3 meaningsA period of 24 hours, typically representing the time it takes for the Earth to complete one rotation on its axis.
/deɪ/
A period of 24 hours
I work five days a week.
💡 Simply: A day is like a whole trip around. The sun goes up, and then it goes down, then it's over. It's 24 hours, and a new trip around the Earth starts!
👶 For kids: A day is when the sun is shining, and you're awake and playing!
More Examples
The concert will be held on Saturday, which is the best day.
She spent the entire day at the beach.
How It's Used
"The sun rises and sets each day."
"The festival lasts for three days."
The period of light between sunrise and sunset; daylight.
/deɪ/
The time when the sun is above the horizon
They spent the whole day exploring the forest.
💡 Simply: It's the time when the sun is out, like when you are at school or playing. It is the opposite of nighttime!
👶 For kids: When the sun is up!
More Examples
The museum is open during the day only.
The day was beautiful with clear skies and sunshine.
How It's Used
"The day is bright and clear."
"A warm summer's day."
A specific time or period, often associated with an event or activity.
/deɪ/
A specific period or occasion
This is my favorite day of the year.
💡 Simply: A special time, like a birthday or the day you get a new toy. It's like saying, 'This is the day we...'!
👶 For kids: A special time for doing something fun or important.
More Examples
It was a historic day for our country.
We had a fun day at the amusement park.
How It's Used
"It was a great day for baseball."
"The day the war ended."
Idioms & expressions
have a good day
A common expression used as a polite farewell or well-wishing.
"Goodbye! Have a good day!"
day in, day out
Happening or done repeatedly; every day.
"She goes to the gym day in, day out."
one of these days
At some unspecified time in the future, often used when implying a future consequence or action.
"One of these days, I'm going to learn to play the guitar."
call it a day
To stop working on something for the day.
"Let's call it a day; we've worked long enough."
make someone's day
To do something that makes someone very happy.
"Winning the lottery would definitely make my day!"
From Old English dæg, from Proto-Germanic *dagaz, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *dʰéǵʰōm ('day, daytime').
The word 'day' has been used in English since the Old English period, retaining its core meaning of a 24-hour period or the time of sunlight.
Memory tip
Think of the time the sun is out; that's a day!
Word Origin
"time of daylight"