FEBRUARY Definition & Meaning

February

[ feb-roo-er-ee, feb-��Ǵ�‑ ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

plural Februaries.

the second month of the year, ordinarily containing 28 days, but containing 29 days in leap years. : Feb.

February

/ ˈ��ɛ��ʊə��ɪ /

noun

the second month of the year, consisting of 28 or (in a leap year) 29 days

Discover More

Pronunciation Note

Many people try to pronounce February with both [r] sounds, as shown above. The common pronunciation [feb, -yoo-er-ee], with the first [r] replaced by [y], is the result of dissimilation, the tendency of like sounds to become unlike when they follow each other closely. An additional influence is analogy with January. Although sometimes criticized, this dissimilated pronunciation of February is used by educated speakers and is considered standard.

Discover More

51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of February¹

before 1000; Middle English; Old English Februarius < Latin Februārius (mēnsis) expiatory (month), derivative of februa (plural) expiatory offerings; -ary

Discover More

51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of February¹

C13: from Latin Februārius mēnsis month of expiation, from februa Roman festival of purification held on February 15, from plural of februum a purgation

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

She eventually received a letter, in February 2024, asking her to pay 67 unpaid charges.

From

In early February, Trump’s appointees at the Education Department reviewed pending grants aiming to end funding for “discriminatory practices, including in the form of DEI,” or diversity, equity and inclusion.

From

It sealed back-to-back wins in the Women's Nations League for the European champions after their 1-0 victory over world champions Spain in February, leaving them top of Group A3.

From

By comparison, the US stock market has lost around 17% of its value from its peak in February and is now down 2% from where it was this time last year.

From

Amazon MGM Studios in February inked a deal with the longtime producers of the James Bond film franchise — Barbara Broccoli and her half-brother Michael G. Wilson — to control the beloved superspy series.

From

Browse