noun
observed in many countries to celebrate the coming of spring; observed in Russia and related countries in honor of labor (Freq. 1)
• Syn: ↑First of May, ↑May 1
• Hypernyms: ↑day
• Part Holonyms: ↑May
* * *
nounUsage: usually capitalized M&D
Etymology: Middle English mayday first day of May, from may (III) + day
: the first day of May often celebrated as a springtime festival and in some countries (as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) as Labor Day
* * *
the first day of May, long celebrated with various festivities, as the crowning of the May queen, dancing around the Maypole, and, in recent years, often marked by labor parades and political demonstrations.
[1225-75; ME]
* * *
1st May, when people traditionally celebrated the beginning of spring. Many countries have a public holiday on or near this date, in honour of working people.
Thesaurus: public and national holidayshyponym
* * *
May Day,
the first day of May, often celebrated by crowning a girl honored as the queen of May, dancing around the Maypole, and other festivities. In some parts of the world, labor parades and meetings are held on May Day.
May|day «MAY DAY», noun, or May Day,
the international radiotelephone call for help, used by a ship or aircraft when in distress.
╂[< French m'dez help me!]
* * *
n. May 1, celebrated in many countries as a traditional springtime festival or as an international day honoring workers
* * *
/ˈmeıˌdeı/ noun [singular]
: May 1 celebrated in many countries as a spring festival and in some countries as a holiday in honor of working people
* * *
the first day of May, celebrated as a spring festival and, in some countries, as a holiday in honour of working people
Culture:
In Britain, traditional events on or near May Day include dancing round the ↑maypole and choosing a ↑May Queen. May Day itself is not necessarily a holiday in Britain, but since 1978 there has been a ↑bank holiday on the Monday closest to 1 May, called the Early May Bank Holiday. In some countries, though not in Britain, May Day has been an occasion for socialist celebrations.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.