Groundhog Day

noun

1. February 2, in most parts of the U.S., the day on which, according to legend, the groundhog first emerges from hibernation. If it is a sunny day and the groundhog sees its shadow, six more weeks of wintry weather are predicted.

Groundhog Day

noun

1. (in the US and Canada) February 2nd, when, according to tradition, the groundhog emerges from hibernation; if it sees its shadow, it returns to its burrow for six weeks as a sunny day indicates a late spring, while a cloudy day would mean an early spring
2. a situation in which events are or appear to be continually repeated

Groundhog Day

1. February 2. According to the legend of Groundhog Day, if a groundhog (a woodchuck) comes out of his hole on that day and sees his shadow, six more weeks of winter will follow. If no shadow appears, there will be an early spring.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Groundhog Day¹

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75

Word History and Origins

Origin of Groundhog Day¹

C20: sense 2 from the 1993 film Groundhog Day , in which the lead character experiences the same day repeatedly

Example Sentences

Former England wing Ugo Monye said the defeat against Australia is like "groundhog day" and that being "unlucky" is no longer an excuse.

From BBC

How long will the political Groundhog Day last—and what will it take to break this cycle?

From Slate

He described his life in prison as "endless, meaningless and exactly the same", akin to the movie Groundhog Day.

From BBC

I’m not sure how much more I can take, it’s like Groundhog Day.

From Los Angeles Times

In another Eriksson Groundhog Day, England went out on penalties to Portugal.

From BBC