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

A recurring nightmare for the Scots stuck in groundhog day.

From BBC • Sep. 10, 2023

"My life is like groundhog day,", said Vladimir.

From Reuters • Jan. 19, 2023

“We have to break this cycle” of states going in and out of lockdown, he said, adding, “This groundhog day has to end.”

From Washington Post • Aug. 24, 2021

“After about one week you could see people were getting a little bit stir-crazy. It is basically groundhog day every day,” he says.

From The Guardian • Jul. 15, 2020

"It's just one of those things where you come to the ballpark every day, groundhog day."

From Seattle Times • Sep. 11, 2011