Groundhog Day

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.

Groundhog Day

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

Groundhog Day

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Groundhog Day¹

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75

Word History and Origins

Origin of Groundhog Day¹

C20: sense 2 from the 1993 film Groundhog Day , in which the lead character experiences the same day repeatedly

Example Sentences

I hear they are soon releasing the movie “Groundhog Day II” in which Bill Murray portrays a Dodgers relief pitcher named “Tanner Treinen.”

From Los Angeles Times

England's deadly dull World Cup qualifying victory against Andorra had a Groundhog Day feel for long-time followers of this particular bandwagon.

From BBC

But those above him do not speak about such things, so he is living a Groundhog Day existence on that front.

From BBC

If you think you’re watching the movie “Groundhog Day,” you are correct.

From Los Angeles Times

No Jeep “Groundhog Day” or “Alexa Loses Her Voice,” never mind Pepsi’s iconic “The Showdown,” in which Larry Bird and Michael Jordan shoot hoops.

From Los Angeles Times