Hogmanay

American  

[hog-muh-ney] / ˌhɒg məˈneɪ /

noun

Scot.

1. the eve of New Year's Day.

2. (lowercase) a gift given on Hogmanay.

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Hogmanay British  

/ ˌhɒɡməˈneɪ /

noun

1. (sometimes not capital)

   1. New Year's Eve in Scotland

   2. ( as modifier ) See also first-foot

      a Hogmanay party

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Usage

What is Hogmanay?

Hogmanay is the Scottish term for New Year's Eve.

In Scotland, Hogmanay festivities often begin well before the day and in some places consist of several days of events, such as parades and nighttime processions, street parties, bonfires, and music and dance gatherings known as ceilidhs. For some, the celebration of Hogmanay rivals that of Christmas.

The holiday is associated with a number of customs, including the so-called first-foot traditions. In particular, according to Hogmanay tradition, a dark-haired man crossing the threshold of a house at midnight will bring good luck.

The word can also refer to a gift given on Hogmanay. When used in this sense, it’s often lowercase (hogmanay).

Etymology

Origin of Hogmanay

First recorded in 1670–80; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

She went to her GP with her concerns, and after a battery of tests was diagnosed on Hogmanay 2023 with Alzheimer's.

From BBC • Jan. 2, 2026

Stonehaven's Hogmanay fireballs event will be going ahead, with about 10,000 people expected to attend.

From BBC • Dec. 30, 2025

Hogmanay is the Scots term for New Year's Eve and is considered one of the most important holidays in the country, traditionally taking precedence over Christmas.

From Barron's • Dec. 30, 2025

"It is something that we use to light up the dark Edinburgh nights," said Al Thomson, director of the Hogmanay festival.

From Barron's • Dec. 30, 2025

Ah, it was wonderful, their mother said, but, alas, there was one thing wanting: she had no Hogmanay to give the guisers.

From Sentimental Tommy The Story of His Boyhood by Barrie, J. M. (James Matthew)