heyday

¹

or hey·dey

[ hey-dey ]

noun

1. the stage or period of greatest vigor, strength, success, etc.; prime:

   the heyday of the vaudeville stars.

2. Archaic. high spirits.

heyday

²

[ hey-dey ]

interjection

, Archaic.

1. (used as an exclamation of cheerfulness, surprise, wonder, etc.)

heyday

/ ˈheɪˌdeɪ /

noun

1. the time of most power, popularity, vigour, etc; prime

Word History and Origins

Origin of heyday¹

1580–90; variant of high day, apparently by confusion with heyday ²

Origin of heyday²

1520–30; rhyming compound based on hey; replacing heyda < German hei da hey there

Word History and Origins

Origin of heyday¹

C16: probably based on hey

Example Sentences

More than a thousand years have passed since their heyday, however, and as humans continue to destroy our environment, archaeological treasures like those in these cities could be lost forever.

From Salon

Back in Twitter's heyday, the site made the vast majority of its money through advertising.

From BBC

Night Changes wasn't One Direction's biggest hit during their heyday - reaching number seven in the UK and 31 in the US - but it has grown in reputation ever since.

From BBC

The 2024 series of Love Island was one of its best performing with audiences in years after a dip in viewing figures since its heyday in 2019.

From BBC

They reside in the Harland and Wolff shipyard, which in its early 20th Century heyday was the most prolific builder of ocean liners in the world.

From BBC