august

¹

[aw-guhst]

adjective

1. inspiring reverence or admiration; of supreme dignity or grandeur; majestic.

   an august performance of a religious drama.

2. venerable; eminent.

   an august personage.

August

²

[aw-guhst]

noun

1. the eighth month of the year, containing 31 days. Aug.

2. a first name, form of Augustus.

august

¹

/ ɔːˈɡʌst /

adjective

1. dignified or imposing

   an august presence

2. of noble birth or high rank

   an august lineage

August

²

/ ˈɔːɡəst /

noun

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

Other Word Forms

• augustness noun
• augustly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of august¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from French, Middle French auguste, from Latin augustus “sacred, grand,” akin to augēre “to increase” and augur ¹ ( def. ); eke ¹

Origin of august²

before 1100; Middle English < Latin Augustus (named after Augustus. ); replacing Old English Agustus < Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of august¹

C17: from Latin augustus; related to augēre to increase

Origin of august²

Old English, from Latin, named after the emperor _Augustus

Example Sentences

Together and separately, they have taken a wrecking ball to our august scientific institutions that were previously considered to be the best in the world.

From Salon

That august body of cineastes, the National Society of Film Critics, said so, and, frankly, it wasn’t even close.

From Los Angeles Times

Nevertheless, these claims have been a staple of news reporting for years, even by some of most august news organizations.

From Los Angeles Times

Greenberger’s warning about this scenario had been endorsed by no less august a figure than former Federal Reserve Chair Paul Volcker.

From Salon

The august Senate — at least on the Republican side — is becoming more like its chaotic counterpart across the Rotunda every day.

From New York Times

When To Use

What is August?

August is the eighth month of the year in the Gregorian calendar. It has 31 days and is between July and September.In the Northern Hemisphere August is known as a middle month of the summer season. In the Southern Hemisphere, it is a middle month of the winter season.Among the holidays that happen in August are several independence days. August 1 is Benin’s and Switzterland’s, August 13 is the Central African Republic’s, and August 24 is Ukraine’s, to name just a few.As an adjective, august describes something or someone who is majestic or who inspires admiration, as in Playing the part of the queen, Pramila wore an august crown that could be seen from the back row.Example: I get the back-to-school blues as soon as August begins.