winter break

[/ˈwɪntər breɪk/]
nounpl: winter breaks
recesso de inverno / férias de inverno
1. A scheduled vacation period for students during the winter season, typically around December and January, when schools and universities close for several weeks
Students are looking forward to their winter break to spend time with family.
Os alunos estão ansiosos pelo recesso de inverno para passar tempo com a família.
2. A period of time off from work or school during the winter holidays
During winter break, many families travel to warmer destinations.
Durante o recesso de inverno, muitas famílias viajam para destinos mais quentes.
In Brazil, winter break typically occurs in July (Southern Hemisphere winter) rather than December-January. In the United States and Northern Hemisphere countries, winter break is centered around December holidays and New Year, often called 'Christmas break' colloquially. The term is primarily used in educational settings and is an important part of the academic calendar in both countries.
NYC Slang
winter vaca / winter break (same as standard English)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
holiday breakwinter holidaysChristmas breakholiday season
Antonyms / Antônimos
school yearacademic session

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
recesso de inverno / férias de inverno
Most common term used in Brazilian educational contexts
São Paulo
férias de julho / recesso escolar
Often references the winter break period in July in the Southern Hemisphere
Rio de Janeiro
férias de inverno / férias escolares
General term for winter school vacation
Portugal
férias de Natal / pausa de inverno
Portuguese uses 'férias de Natal' (Christmas holidays) more commonly

Related Words

spring breaksummer vacationholidayrecesssemester

Related Idioms & Phrases

make the most of winter break
count down to winter break
cabin fever during winter break
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