October
Americannoun
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the tenth month of the year, containing 31 days. Oct.
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British. ale or beer traditionally brewed in this month.
noun
Usage
What is October? October is the tenth month of the year in the Gregorian calendar. It has 31 days and is between September and November. In the Northern Hemisphere October is known as a middle month of the autumn season, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s a middle month of the spring season. Many countries around the world celebrate Halloween, which is on October 31. It’s so popular that much of the month is devoted to spooky things. Halloween is celebrated differently from country to country, with nations like the United States and Canada practicing in trick-or-treating and hosting Halloween-themed parties. Other nations, like Japan and Ireland, celebrate with parades and public gatherings. Other holidays celebrated in October include Día de los Muertos and Oktoberfest. Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday that celebrates those who have died. In Germany, Oktoberfest celebrates the craft of beer making, running from late September to early October. Example: October is such a spooky month, especially when the trees lose their leaves.
Etymology
Origin of October
before 1050; Middle English, Old English < Latin Octōber the eighth month of the early Roman year, equivalent to octō- octo- + -ber, on the model of September, November, December; see December
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.
The Social Security Administration will announce the actual adjustment in October.
From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026
In October 2023, Moreno was found dead near the Interstate 5 and State Route 905 interchange.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026
The bestselling tenor also avoided the second inauguration but made a special Oval Office visit in October, when he serenaded the president.
From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026
The choir excelled in their first audition in October 2025, even receiving the coveted Golden Buzzer, and Hugh said that it's "been a bit of a whirlwind since then".
From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026
On October 29, 1892, “An Earnest Appeal” was made in the Spiritualist press seeking donations of money to help “this very unfortunate sister.”
From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
