weekend

The weekend is the part of the week set aside for rest and leisure after the standard workweek. In most countries it consists of Saturday and Sunday, though some places observe Friday–Saturday or Sunday-only patterns, and in practice weekend hours can vary with culture and law.

The term weekend dates from the 19th century, and the two-day rest period became common during the 20th century as labor movements sought shorter workweeks. In the United States, a broader adoption of the 40-hour workweek and corporate policies helped cement a two-day weekend by mid-century; earlier examples include Ford Motor Company introducing a five-day, 40-hour week in 1926.

Culturally, weekends often mix religious observance, recreation, and family time. Sunday has traditionally been a day of worship for Christians in many regions, while Friday is a day of prayer in several Muslim-majority countries, affecting when people rest or work. Local laws, employer practices, and public holidays also shape weekend schedules.

Economically, weekends drive activity in retail, hospitality, and entertainment, while public holidays adjacent to weekends can create long weekends that extend time off. The concept continues to adapt with changes in work patterns, including flexible schedules, part-time work, and remote work.