Langimage
English

birthday

|birth/day|

A1

🇺🇸

/ˈbɜːrθˌdeɪ/

🇬🇧

/ˈbɜːθˌdeɪ/

anniversary of birth

Etymology
Etymology Information

'birthday' originates from Old English, specifically the words 'byrð' meaning 'birth' and 'dæg' meaning 'day'.

Historical Evolution

'byrðdæg' transformed into the Middle English word 'birtheday', and eventually became the modern English word 'birthday'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'the day of one's birth', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the anniversary of the day on which a person was born, typically treated as an occasion for celebration and the giving of gifts.

She received many gifts on her birthday.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35