October

American  

[ok-toh-ber] / ɒkˈtoʊ bər /

noun

1. the tenth month of the year, containing 31 days. Oct.

2. British. ale or beer traditionally brewed in this month.

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October British  

/ ɒkˈtəʊbə /

noun

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

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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; December

Example Sentences

Even before the Iran War began, the Nasdaq had fallen 4.5% from its October 2025 highs.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

Daniel Duggan, 57, was arrested in the regional city of Orange in New South Wales in October 2022 at the request of the US.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

The tech-heavy Nasdaq rose 1.6% for its 11th straight day of gains—closing at its first record since October and extending its longest winning streak since 2021.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Following the old Wall Street adage to “Sell in May” and get back into stocks in October makes sense this year especially.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

In October, a combined Austrian-German-Bulgarian invasion finally succeeded in crushing Serbia, occupying the kingdom and driving the defeated remnants of the Serbian army out completely.

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