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 $40 level—which acted as a significant roadblock since January 2024 with several rejections—should now see that former resistance turn into support.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

The event marks a joyous turnaround for the eagles, who lost a first clutch in late January.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Fierce bushfires swept through the area in January, coming within a kilometre of the property where Freeman was hiding.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Gov. Deidre Henderson said in January that a review of the state’s more than two million voters found “one confirmed noncitizen who never voted.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

On January 31, 1917, the German ambassador in Washington informed the American government that Germany was about to resume unrestricted submarine warfare against all vessels approaching the British Isles.

From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman