Word
heyday
Phoneticshey·day, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈheɪˌdeɪ/
UK/hˈeɪdeɪ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. the period of time when someone or something is most successful, popular, or powerful. You use this to talk about the 'golden age' of a person's career or a specific era.
n. the period of greatest success, popularity, or vigour. Often used to describe the peak of a historical era, a career, or a specific technology.
Examples
“In its heyday, the city was a major center for trade.”
“During the heyday of silent film, actors relied entirely on physical expression to convey emotion.”
“The crumbling ruins serve as a stark reminder of the empire's former glory during its 12th-century heyday, when its influence stretched across three continents.”
Examples
simple
“In its heyday, the city was a major center for trade.”
contextual
“During the heyday of silent film, actors relied entirely on physical expression to convey emotion.”
complex
“The crumbling ruins serve as a stark reminder of the empire's former glory during its 12th-century heyday, when its influence stretched across three continents.”
Usage
Usually used in the singular, often following the preposition 'in' ('in its heyday').
Real-World Examples
“Sharks started to inflate to mega body sizes during the heyday of the dinosaurs.” “In its heyday, the megalodon was a force to be reckoned with.” “His anecdotes are punctuated with nervous laughter, although he's better at making eye contact than when we first met in the Killers' heyday.” Etymology
Late 16th century, from earlier heyda (1520s), as exclamation – compare hey, hei. Sense “period of success, vigor” is a respelling as heyday based on unrelated day (as “period of time”) – compare day in the sun.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
INTERJECTION
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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