February

[ feb-roo-er-ee, feb-yoo‐ ]

noun,plural Feb·ru·ar·ies.
  1. the second month of the year, ordinarily containing 28 days, but containing 29 days in leap years. Abbreviation: Feb.

Origin of February

1
before 1000; Middle English; Old English Februarius<Latin Februārius (mēnsis) expiatory (month), derivative of februa (plural) expiatory offerings; see -ary

pronunciation note For February

Many people try to pronounce February with both [r] /r/ sounds, as shown above. The common pronunciation [feb-yoo-er-ee], /ˈfɛb yuˌɛr i/, with the first [r] /r/ replaced by [y], /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.

Words Nearby February

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How to use February in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for February

February

/ (ˈfɛbrʊərɪ) /


nounplural -aries
  1. the second month of the year, consisting of 28 or (in a leap year) 29 days

Origin of February

1
C13: from Latin Februārius mēnsis month of expiation, from februa Roman festival of purification held on February 15, from plural of februum a purgation

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