Heyday

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -eɪdeɪ

Origin

Late 16th century, from earlier heyda (1520s), as exclamation – compare hey, hei. Sense “period of success, vigor” from 1751, which respelt as heyday based on unrelated day (as “period of time”) – compare day in the sun.

Online Etymology Dictionary

Full definition of heyday

Noun

1. A period of success, popularity or power; prime.The early twentieth century was the heyday of the steam locomotive.

Synonyms

• day in the sun

Related terms

• hey

Interjection

1. A lively greeting.
• 1798:"Heyday, Miss Morland!" said he. "What is the meaning of this? I thought you and I were to dance together." Jane Austen - Northanger Abbey
2. (obsolete) An expression of frolic and exultation, and sometimes of wonder.
• 1600:"Come follow me, my wags, and say, as I say. There's no riches but in rags; hey day, hey day, &c." Ben Jonson - Cynthia's Revels