What does weekend mean?
Weekend usually means the short period between the working week and the next working week, conventionally Friday evening through Sunday. It most often refers to the time when people are not at work or school and have an opportunity to rest, travel, socialize, or pursue hobbies. The term can also describe a brief escape from an ordinary routine, such as a weekend away. In phrases such as long weekend, weekend plans, and weekend trip, it is functioning attributively before a noun. Although weekend is primarily a noun, it is also used as an adjective in expressions such as weekend hours, and informally as a verb meaning to spend the weekend. Across British and American English, the word carries generally neutral or positive associations, often suggesting leisure, recreation, and time away from obligation.
The period of time from Friday evening or Saturday until Sunday evening, especially the days when most people do not work.
"We are going to the mountains this weekend."
The period may begin on Friday evening in casual or workplace contexts, while the core days are Saturday and Sunday.
Occurring on, during, or relating to the weekend.
"They booked a weekend flight to the coast."
This use usually appears before a noun, as in weekend plans, weekend trip, or weekend hours.
To spend the weekend, especially away from one's usual routine or workplace.
"We weekended at a small cabin near the lake."
This verb is informal and is especially common in North American English.
The plural is used for separate occurrences of the weekend.
"The resort is especially popular on weekends."
The word literally marks the end of the week—and has become the part everyone plans the week around.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does weekend come from?
English weekend is a compound of week and end, in use by the late 16th century; early forms were often written with a hyphen as week-end. The term developed to name the days at the end of the working week, conventionally Saturday and Sunday. Parallel forms appear in other languages, including German Wochenende and Dutch weekend, both meaning the end of the week.
Related word forms
How weekend is actually used
As a noun, weekend is standard and everyday in British and American English. As an adjective, it commonly appears before another noun, as in weekend plans or a weekend trip. The verb is more informal and especially common in North American usage.
Easily confused with weekend
A weekend usually includes Saturday and Sunday, whereas a weekday is any other day of the week, especially Monday through Friday.