January

American  

[jan-yoo-er-ee] / ˈdʒæn yuˌɛr i /

noun

plural

Januaries

1. the first month of the year, containing 31 days. Jan.

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January British  

/ ˈdʒænjʊərɪ /

noun

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

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Usage

What does January mean? January is the first month of the calendar year. It has 31 days and is followed by February. It follows December, the twelfth and final month of the previous year.January is closely associated with its position at the beginning of the year. January 1 is known as New Year’s Day due to being the first day of the year.For many people, January is a time of making New Year’s resolutions—decisions to do something or make some change in the new year, especially to change or start some habit or behavior. For example, many people start new exercise routines or diets in January.In the Northern Hemisphere, January is a winter month. In the Southern Hemisphere, it is a summer month.In the U.S., the most notable holiday in January after New Year’s Day is Martin Luther King Day, which is observed on the third Monday of the month. The inaugurations of new U.S. presidents and members of Congress are also held in January.Example: People treat January as a time of new beginnings and life changes, but I like to remind them that they can do that during any month.

Etymology

Origin of January

before 1000; Middle English < Latin, noun use of Jānuārius, equivalent to Jānu ( s ) Janus + -ārius -ary; replacing Middle English Genever, Jeniver < Anglo-French, Old French Genever, Jenever < Latin, as above; replacing Old English Januarius < Latin

Example Sentences

The list eventually became a more formal report, published in December, that identified at least 33 insurrectionists who have been rearrested, charged or sentenced for other crimes since January 6, 2021.

From Salon

U.S. natural gas futures fell for a fifth consecutive session as warmer-than-usual January weather keeps a lid on heating demand.

From The Wall Street Journal

The first episode airs on BBC One on 7 January at 21:30 GMT, and the whole series will be available on iPlayer.

From BBC

It was hit in January 2024, and for months afterwards, its grounds served as a shelter for displaced families.

From BBC

But the Milan proceedings were dismissed in January 2017 - in part because prosecutors could not link the payments to specific contracts or definitively identify the public officials who received the funds.

From BBC