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

The last ScotRail trains on Hogmanay will depart earlier than normal and no trains will run on New Year's Day, the rail firm has said.

From BBC • Dec. 31, 2025

He will put that energy to use later, saying that in recent years he has tended to stay in more often on Hogmanay.

From BBC • Dec. 31, 2025

Hamish Hawk is determined to enjoy his Hogmanay gig at Princes Street Gardens - as he was too terrified to appreciate his last show there.

From BBC • Dec. 31, 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

The young folk had a great night of it, and braved the frost to go to the stable door and sing their old Hogmanay rhymes.

From The Narrative of Gordon Sellar Who Emigrated to Canada in 1825 by Sellar, Gordon