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Imbolc

British

/ ˈɪmbəʊlk, ˈɪmbəlk, ˈɪmməlk /

noun

an ancient Celtic festival associated with the goddess Brigit, held on Feb 1 or 2 to mark the beginning of spring. It is also celebrated by modern pagans

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Imbolc

C15: from Old Irish oimelc ewe's milk

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She was honored on the mid-winter holy day of Imbolc, still commemorated on Feb. 1, which also became St. Brigid’s Day.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 26, 2024

As Berkeley astronomer Bryan Méndez writes, it is likely not a coincidence that Groundhog Day coincides with the ancient Celtic festival called Imbolc.

From Salon • Feb. 2, 2023

Imbolc falls on Feb. 1 — Saint Brigid’s feast day.

From New York Times • Mar. 11, 2022

St Brigid's Day is linked to the Celtic festival of Imbolc, heralding the return of spring.

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2022

And I pause on 1 February to mark Imbolc, the Gaelic festival that marks the start of spring, when the ewes are pregnant and the first snowdrops are appearing.

From The Guardian • Feb. 9, 2020

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023