February

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈfÉ›b.ɹʊ.É™.ɹi/, /ˈfÉ›b.j(ÊŠ.)É™.ɹi/
• US IPA: /ˈfÉ›b.ɹuˌɛɹi/, /ˈfÉ›b.juˌɛ(É™)ɹi/, /ˈfÉ›b.juˌæɹi/; enPR: fÄ•bʹroÍžo-Ä•r'-Ä“

Origin

Re-Latinized from Middle English feoverel, from Old French feverier, from Latin februārius, of the month of purification, from februa, the Roman festival of purification, plural of februum; perhaps from Latin febris ("fever"), from Proto-Indo-European *dhegh- ("burn").

Full definition of February

Proper noun

1. The second month of the Gregorian calendar, following January and preceding March.

Usage notes

The pronunciation of the first r as /j/ has come about by dissimilation and analogy with January.

February is usually abbreviated Feb or Feb.

Derived terms

Related terms

• februate
• februation