February

[feb-roo-er-ee, feb-yoo‑]

noun

plural

Februaries 

1. the second month of the year, ordinarily containing 28 days, but containing 29 days in leap years. Feb.

February

/ ˈfɛbrʊərɪ /

noun

1. the second month of the year, consisting of 28 or (in a leap year) 29 days

Pronunciation Note

Many people try to pronounce February with both sounds, as shown above. The common pronunciation , with the first replaced by , is the result of dissimilation, the tendency of like sounds to become unlike when they follow each other closely. An additional influence is analogy with January. Although sometimes criticized, this dissimilated pronunciation of February is used by educated speakers and is considered standard.

Word History and Origins

Origin of February¹

before 1000; Middle English; Old English Februarius < Latin Februārius (mēnsis) expiatory (month), derivative of februa (plural) expiatory offerings; -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of February¹

C13: from Latin Februārius mēnsis month of expiation, from februa Roman festival of purification held on February 15, from plural of februum a purgation

Example Sentences

A reputed member of the Locas, Wertz allegedly impersonated an FBI agent in an attempted home invasion robbery in February, hammering on the front door while holding a gun.

From Los Angeles Times

All this is despite the XL bully ban that came into force in February 2024.

From BBC

He will begin serving his sentence in February.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Cash, a former parliamentary researcher, and Mr Berry, were accused of gathering and providing information prejudicial to the safety and interests of the state between December 2021 and February 2023.

From BBC

Ms Wandelt was arrested in February after arriving at Bristol Airport, with Mrs Spragg also detained in a nearby car park.

From BBC

When To Use

What does February mean?

February is the second month of the calendar year. It follows January and is followed by March.It can be pronounced either FEB-roo-air-ee or FEB-yoo-air-ee. February is notable for being the shortest month of the year. It has 28 days, except during a leap year, when it has 29 due to the addition of a leap day. Every four years, a leap day is added to the end of February to adjust for the fact that the calendar is 365 days long but the Earth’s revolution around the sun actually takes 365 days and 6 hours.In the Northern Hemisphere, February is a winter month. In the Southern Hemisphere, it is a summer month.In the U.S. and some other countries, February is Black History Month. Several U.S. and international holidays also fall in February, including Groundhog Day on February 2, Valentine’s Day on February 14, and Presidents’ Day on the third Monday of February. The American football championship known as the Super Bowl is typically held in early February.Example: I was born on February 29, so I usually celebrate my birthday on February 28 on non-leap years.