What does midweek mean?
Midweek denotes the period in the middle of the week, conventionally the working days between Monday and Friday, or more specifically the central portion of that span. It may function as a noun, as in “the office is quieter in midweek”; as an adjective, as in “a midweek meeting”; or as an adverb, as in “we traveled midweek.” The word often evokes the routine and practical side of the working week, including business appointments, school schedules, meals, and reduced weekend crowds. Its contrast with weekend is strong even though it is not a formal antonym. Midweek is especially useful when distinguishing the ordinary working period from the beginning or end of the week, and it appears naturally in phrases such as midweek break, midweek meeting, and midweek meal. Both the unhyphenated midweek and the traditional hyphenated mid-week are understood, with midweek now the usual form.
The part of the week between Monday and Friday, especially the middle portion of the working week.
"Most of the workshop takes place in midweek."
The noun is often used with the definite article in phrases such as “in midweek.”
Occurring, happening, or relating to the middle of the week.
"The hotel offers a special midweek rate."
This use is normally attributive, as in “midweek meeting” or “midweek meal.”
At or during the middle of the week.
"The package should arrive midweek."
The adverb is especially common in British English, though it is also used in American English.
The plural is uncommon; the word is normally used as a singular mass noun for the period itself.
"The company schedules several midweeks each year for staff retreats."
Midweek joins two very old elements: mid comes from Old English midd, while week comes from Old English wicu.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does midweek come from?
Midweek is a compound formed in Middle English from mid and week. The first element continues Old English midd, meaning “middle,” while week derives from Old English wicu, referring to a week or a period of seven days. The compound appears in English by the early Middle English period and has long referred both to the middle portion of the week and to events occurring during that time.
Related word forms
How midweek is actually used
The term is natural in both British and American English. As a noun it commonly takes the definite article, as in “in midweek,” while as an adjective it is typically used attributively, as in “a midweek meeting.”
Easily confused with midweek
Midweek refers to the period between Monday and Friday, whereas weekend refers to Saturday and Sunday.