What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
festival
Example
The annual music festival is always a highlight of the summer. [festival: noun]
Example
We enjoyed watching the dancers perform at the Diwali festival. [festival: noun]
holiday
Example
I'm looking forward to the holiday next week. [holiday: noun]
Example
We went on a holiday to Hawaii last year. [holiday: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Holiday is more commonly used than festival in everyday language. Holiday is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while festival is less common and refers specifically to a public celebration or event.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between festival and holiday?
Both festival and holiday can be used in formal and informal contexts, depending on the occasion and the tone of the conversation or writing.
