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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.


October British  
/ ɒkˈtəʊbə /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

And when the RSF finally took over the city in October last year, "It was like the Day of Judgment on Earth," he says.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Its 200-day simple moving average started to slope lower in recent weeks and on Monday the stock broke above its 50-day simple moving average for the first time since last October.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

In October 2024, the company began selling a token, WLFI, which it said would offer holders a way to vote on the company’s future.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

He was convicted in October 2022 after a lengthy and complex trial in downtown L.A. and sentenced the following April to 11 years.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

In October 1834, a fire broke out at the Hermitage while President Jackson was in Washington.

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis