What does holidaymaker mean?
A holidaymaker is a person who travels away from home for leisure, usually to visit a holiday destination such as a beach, city, scenic region, or tourist attraction. The term is especially common in British English and is often used when discussing people who take holidays abroad, although it can include domestic travellers. “Holidaymakers” frequently suggests people travelling for pleasure rather than business, and it can sound familiar and conversational while still appearing in informative writing. In North American English, “vacationer” or “tourist” is more usual. The word is especially useful when a speaker or writer wants to emphasize the social and recreational character of a trip rather than merely identify its destination or duration. It can refer collectively to a group, as when a report describes how changing prices affect British holidaymakers.
nounA person who travels for a holiday, especially someone visiting a destination for leisure rather than business.
- A tourist or other traveller visiting a place for leisure and recreation.
"The island attracts thousands of holidaymakers every summer."
"British holidaymakers flock to the coast during the summer holidays."
"The museum offers discounted admission for families and individual holidaymakers."
The regular plural is used for individual travellers and collectively for a group of people taking holidays.
"Holidaymakers are advised to book long-haul flights early."
In British English, a holidaymaker is not making a holiday: the person is simply enjoying one.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does holidaymaker come from?
The word combines “holiday,” which derives from Old English hāligdæg, meaning “holy day,” with the older noun “maker,” denoting a person who makes or forms something. The compound developed in British English in the sense of a person taking a holiday. “Holiday” is related to “holy,” “hallow,” and “holly,” all of which continue the Old English root represented by hālig.
Related word forms
How holidaymaker is actually used
Chiefly a British term; North American speakers are more likely to use “vacationer” or “tourist.”