January

American  

[jan-yoo-er-ee] / ˈdʒæn yuˌɛr i /

noun

plural

Januaries

1. the first month of the year, containing 31 days. Jan.

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January British  

/ ˈdʒænjʊərɪ /

noun

1. the first month of the year, consisting of 31 days

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Usage

What does January mean? January is the first month of the calendar year. It has 31 days and is followed by February. It follows December, the twelfth and final month of the previous year.January is closely associated with its position at the beginning of the year. January 1 is known as New Year’s Day due to being the first day of the year.For many people, January is a time of making New Year’s resolutions—decisions to do something or make some change in the new year, especially to change or start some habit or behavior. For example, many people start new exercise routines or diets in January.In the Northern Hemisphere, January is a winter month. In the Southern Hemisphere, it is a summer month.In the U.S., the most notable holiday in January after New Year’s Day is Martin Luther King Day, which is observed on the third Monday of the month. The inaugurations of new U.S. presidents and members of Congress are also held in January.Example: People treat January as a time of new beginnings and life changes, but I like to remind them that they can do that during any month.

Etymology

Origin of January

before 1000; Middle English < Latin, noun use of Jānuārius, equivalent to Jānu ( s ) Janus + -ārius -ary; replacing Middle English Genever, Jeniver < Anglo-French, Old French Genever, Jenever < Latin, as above; replacing Old English Januarius < Latin

Example Sentences

The trend in U.S.-China trade has extended into 2026, with China’s exports to the U.S. in January and February dropping 11% year over year, according to China’s customs agency.

From The Wall Street Journal

Other data in the coming week include the Case-Shiller house price index for January on Tuesday, then retail sales and trade data for February on Wednesday.

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s the longest losing streak since January 2025, when shares fell for nine consecutive weeks.

From Barron's

Combs has mapped out his new gig, which began in January, on a two-column chart he’s sketched on a notepad.

From Barron's

“It is always recommended that voters submit their mail ballots as early as possible,” Lin Lakin told Salon in January.

From Salon