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

Elsewhere in Scotland, Stonehaven's Hogmanay fireballs event will be go ahead, with about 10,000 people expected to attend.

From BBC • Dec. 31, 2025

A temporary airspace restriction will be in place covering Edinburgh city centre between 18:00 on Hogmanay and 02:00 on New Year's Day.

From BBC • Dec. 30, 2025

Around 15,000 participants, led by bagpipers, walked through the city's historic centre late Monday as Hogmanay festivities returned after being cancelled last year due to bad weather.

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

Not even at Hogmanay, though I was sair temptit.'

From The Thirty-Nine Steps by Buchan, John