august

¹ American  

[aw-guhst] / ɔˈgʌst /

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.

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August ² American  

[aw-guhst] / ˈɔ gəst /

noun

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

2. a first name, form of Augustus.

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august ¹ British  

/ ɔːˈɡʌst /

adjective

1. dignified or imposing

   an august presence

2. of noble birth or high rank

   an august lineage

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August ² British  

/ ˈɔːɡəst /

noun

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

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Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

• augustly adverb
• augustness noun

Etymology

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

Explanation

August is not just the eighth month of the year; it also describes something esteemed or regal. The 200-year-old newspaper covering the royal wedding might be called an august institution. The month August was named for Augustus Caesar who was an important and regal person. This is an easy way to remember the two meanings. Interestingly enough, linguists think that the word august did not descend from the same root as the month August. Find that hard to believe? August sources disagree. Oh, and don't forget to pronounce each word properly — the month has the accent on the first syllable, the adjective on the second.

Example Sentences

Not many countries are often blessed with as sagacious a leader as Mariano, but many a family and institution will, through him, be reminded of the worth of such august figures.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

On 5 August, Peters took to X to announce the news: "I don't know how it gets better than this. See u at the eras tour on august 19th."

From BBC • Aug. 19, 2024

In 1982, Putnam’s had purchased Grosset and Dunlap, the august imprint that could trace its lineage back to 1898.

From Salon • Nov. 9, 2023

Since almost anyone is allowed to join the august craft of gesture photography, the site’s photos have an unvarnished feel and an unmistakably human charm.

From Slate • Oct. 5, 2023

‘Certainly, sir. I’m humbly grateful for your august patronage.’

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes