Definition

Proper noun A federal holiday in the United States observed on the third Monday in February. It is intended to honor the birthdays and legacies of two prominent U.S. presidents: George Washington (born February 22) and Abraham Lincoln (born February 12).

Usage

The term "Presidents' Day" is used to refer to the public holiday itself. It is commonly associated with retail sales, school closures, and reflections on presidential history. * Government offices and many schools are closed for Presidents' Day. * The store is having a Presidents' Day sale this weekend. * How will you observe Presidents' Day?

Advanced Usage

• "Presidents' Day weekend": Refers to the long weekend (Saturday through Monday) created by the Monday holiday. This phrase is often used in the context of travel or special events.
  • We're going skiing over Presidents' Day weekend.

Variants and Related Words

• Washington's Birthday: The original official name of the holiday, which still remains its designated name in federal law. "Presidents' Day" is the more common contemporary name.
• Presidents Day (without an apostrophe): A common alternate spelling.
• Federal holiday: The category to which Presidents' Day belongs.

Synonyms

• Washington's Birthday (historical/legal context)
• February holiday (informal, contextual)

Notes on Meaning

The holiday's purpose and name are subjects of some informal variation. While officially established to honor Washington and Lincoln, it is popularly viewed as a day to celebrate the office of the presidency and all U.S. presidents. The placement on a Monday is part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which created several three-day holiday weekends.

Noun

1. the third Monday in February; commemorates both presidents Lincoln and Washington