day
noun
Definitions of day noun
- A1Countable
A period of 24 hours, especially from one midnight to the next.
February usually has 28 days.
They completed all the work in a single day.
This report needs to be submitted within three days.
- A2Countable
The period of time during which it is light.
It's hot during the day, but cool at night.
We plan to tour the city during the day.
Some flowers only open during the day.
- A2Countable
A period of time spent at work or school.
It was a long working day for me.
The students' school day starts at 8 a.m.
We'll work extra days during the weekend to catch up on the schedule.
Phrases of day noun
- day by day
occurring or progressing each day; gradually, increasingly over time
• His health deteriorated day by day.
- day and night
At all times; continuously, without stopping.
• They worked day and night to meet the deadline.
- any day now
This phrase indicates that something is expected to happen very soon, typically within the next few days.
• We expect his resignation any day now.
- by day
During the daytime; when there is natural light.
• I prefer to travel by day, so I can enjoy the scenery along the way.
- day after day
Happening repeatedly or continuously; each day.
• She practiced the piano day after day, hoping to become a concert pianist one day.
- in those days
Referring to a period of time in the past.
• In those days, people used to communicate through handwritten letters.
- (from) day to day
Used to describe something that changes or varies frequently; undergoing constant change.
• The menu at this restaurant changes from day to day, so there is always something new to try.
- these days
Referring to the current time period, especially when contrasted with the past.
• Most young people have smartphones these days.
- day off
A day when one is not required to work or perform their usual activities.
• I have a day off this Friday, so we can go hiking that day.
- the other day
Refers to a time a few days in the past; not very long ago.
• I saw you at the library the other day.
- from one day to the next
Used to describe a situation where things change frequently and unpredictably, making it difficult to know what will happen in the future.
• The progress of this project changes from one day to the next, making it difficult for us to make long-term plans.
- the days
a specific period or era in history.
• How did people communicate in the days before email?
- to this day
up to the present time; until now
• To this day, we still don't know what happened back then.
Idioms
- in all my (born) days
Refers to something that one has never experienced or seen before in their lifetime, often used for emphasis.
• I have never heard such a ridiculous excuse in all my born days.
- one of these days
At some unspecified point in the near future.
• I need to start taking my health more seriously; one of these days I'll regret it.
- that'll be the day
Used to express disbelief or skepticism about something that is said to be going to happen; indicating that the speaker thinks the event is highly unlikely.
• "She said she'll be on time tomorrow." "That'll be the day!"
- day in day out
Used to describe something that happens or is done continuously every day, often something monotonous or tedious.
• She works a repetitive job at the factory day in day out.
- those were the days
A phrase used to express that a past period of time was particularly good or enjoyable and is now fondly remembered.
• We used to meet at that coffee shop on the corner all the time; those were the days.
- one of those days
A day characterized by a series of unfortunate events or problems.
• It's been one of those days; everything has gone wrong since morning.
- in this day and age
at the present time; nowadays.
• In this day and age, people expect to have access to information immediately.
- in my day
during my youth or the past era; when I was younger
• Kids take so much for granted nowadays; in my day, a new bike was a real treasure.
- have your day in court
to be given the opportunity to publicly express your opinion or defend your actions, especially after criticism.
• Despite facing widespread criticism, the politician insisted on having his day in court at the congressional hearing.
- all in a day's work
If something difficult, unpleasant, or strange is considered normal or routine for someone, it is regarded as an ordinary part of their job or life.
• For firefighters, risking their lives to rush into burning buildings is all in a day's work.
- to the day
exactly on a specified date or time; precisely.
• They signed the new agreement to the day the contract expired.
- the best/happiest days of your life
A period of time considered the most enjoyable or memorable in one's life.
• Many people consider their university years to be the best days of their lives, full of freedom and exploration.
- not be someone's day
Experiencing a day filled with difficulties, misfortune, or unpleasant events.
• It's really not my day; the alarm didn't go off this morning, and I was late for work.
- someone's/something's days are numbered
If someone or something's days are numbered, it means their existence or relevance will soon come to an end.
• With the advent of new technologies, many traditional industries have their days numbered.
- have had its/your day
To have been popular or successful in the past but no longer be so.
• This restaurant was very popular ten years ago, but it has had its day now.
- take it one day at a time/take each day as it comes
To approach situations by addressing them as they arise, without excessive planning or worry about the future.
• After experiencing many changes, she learned to take it one day at a time and not worry too much about the future.
- one/some day
Refers to an unspecified time in the future.
• I hope to travel around the world one day.
- make someone's day
To cause someone to feel very happy or pleased.
• Receiving your letter really made my day.
- the old days
A period of time in the past, often remembered fondly or contrasted with the present.
• In the old days, people did not have as many technological devices as they do now.