February

noun

Feb·​ru·​ary ˈfe-b(y)ə-ˌwer-ē  ˈfe-brə- 

plural Februaries or Februarys

: the second month of the Gregorian calendar

How do you pronounce February?: Usage Guide

Dissimilation may occur when a word contains two identical or closely related sounds, resulting in the change or loss of one of them. This happens regularly in February, which is more often pronounced \ˈfe-b(y)ə-ˌwer-ē\ than \ˈfe-brə-ˌwer-ē\, though all of these variants are in frequent use and widely accepted. The \y\ heard from many speakers is not an intrusion but rather a common pronunciation of the vowel u after a consonant, as in January and annual.

Examples of February in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The trial would take place in late January or early February, Greenwalt said, and allow city lawyers and municipal judges to review the process. —Serena Lin, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024

It’s nominated for five honors at next February’s Grammy Awards. —Spin Staff, SPIN, 22 Nov. 2024

Frieze Los Angeles has named the more than 100 galleries that will participate in its 2025 edition, scheduled to run February 20–23 at the Santa Monica Airport. —Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 22 Nov. 2024

The group is planning a grand tasting in New York in February, and are in the process of outlining additional tastings and educational seminars across the state. —Emily Cappiello, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English Februarie, from Old English Februarius, from Latin, from Februa, plural, feast of purification

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

February

noun

Feb·​ru·​ary ˈfeb-(y)ə-ˌwer-ē  ˈfeb-rə- 

: the second month of the year

Etymology

Old English Februarius "February," from Latin Februarius "February," literally, "of Februa," from Februa "feast of cleansing"

Word Origin

Every winter the ancient Romans would celebrate a festival of spiritual cleansing. The name of the festival was Februa. Because of its importance the Romans named the month in which it fell Februarius, which means "of Februa." The English name February comes from the Latin Februarius.