Groundhog Day

American  

noun

1. February 2, in most parts of the U.S., the day on which, according to legend, the groundhog first emerges from hibernation. If it is a sunny day and the groundhog sees its shadow, six more weeks of wintry weather are predicted.

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Groundhog Day British  

noun

1. (in the US and Canada) February 2nd, when, according to tradition, the groundhog emerges from hibernation; if it sees its shadow, it returns to its burrow for six weeks as a sunny day indicates a late spring, while a cloudy day would mean an early spring

2. a situation in which events are or appear to be continually repeated

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Groundhog Day Cultural  

1. February 2. According to the legend of Groundhog Day, if a groundhog (a woodchuck) comes out of his hole on that day and sees his shadow, six more weeks of winter will follow. If no shadow appears, there will be an early spring.

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Etymology

Origin of Groundhog Day

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75

Example Sentences

Groundhog day fatigue is eased by Colt's supernatural edge, allowing him to survive death twice per time period.

From BBC • Sep. 15, 2021

Andie MacDowell's managers didn't think it was time for the 63-year-old actress to rock gray hair, however, the "Groundhog" day star did it anyway.

From Fox News • Jul. 23, 2021

"Groundhog day without the adrenaline," as one of my colleagues described it.

From BBC • Oct. 29, 2020