October

American  

[ok-toh-ber] / ɒkˈtoʊ bər /

noun

1. the tenth month of the year, containing 31 days. Oct.

2. British. ale or beer traditionally brewed in this month.

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October British  

/ ɒkˈtəʊbə /

noun

1. the tenth month of the year, consisting of 31 days

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Usage

What is October? October is the tenth month of the year in the Gregorian calendar. It has 31 days and is between September and November.In the Northern Hemisphere October is known as a middle month of the autumn season, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s a middle month of the spring season.Many countries around the world celebrate Halloween, which is on October 31. It’s so popular that much of the month is devoted to spooky things. Halloween is celebrated differently from country to country, with nations like the United States and Canada practicing in trick-or-treating and hosting Halloween-themed parties. Other nations, like Japan and Ireland, celebrate with parades and public gatherings.Other holidays celebrated in October include Día de los Muertos and Oktoberfest. Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday that celebrates those who have died. In Germany, Oktoberfest celebrates the craft of beer making, running from late September to early October.Example: October is such a spooky month, especially when the trees lose their leaves.

Etymology

Origin of October

before 1050; Middle English, Old English < Latin Octōber the eighth month of the early Roman year, equivalent to octō- octo- + -ber, on the model of September, November, December; December

Example Sentences

The CEO, a Nike veteran who came out of retirement to take the top job in October 2024, has called China “the longest road ahead” in the company’s efforts to revive growth.

From The Wall Street Journal

Precipitation in California has been about average since October, but more of that precipitation is falling as rain, less as snow.

From Los Angeles Times

The peak season for rattlesnake activity occurs typically from April to October; it’s also when the California Poison Control System receives the most calls of rattlesnake encounters.

From Los Angeles Times

The spike of declined cases began in February 2025 when the department ordered prosecutors to review every open case launched prior to October 2022 and determine whether to close it.

From Salon

In December, it also bought the brand of collapsed rival Fired Earth in a £3m rescue deal, after the Oxfordshire-based competitor went into administration in October.

From BBC