january

UK: ˈdʒænjuəri | US: ˈdʒænjueri

Definition

  1. n. the first month of the year in the Gregorian calendar

Structure
janu <door, from Latin *ianua*>ary <noun suffix, denoting "related to">
Etymology

The word "January" derives from the Latin Ianuarius, named after Janus, the Roman god of doors, gates, and transitions. Janus was depicted with two faces, symbolizing beginnings and endings—fitting for the month that opens the year. The morpheme janu reflects ianua (Latin for "door"), while -ary is a suffix indicating association. The spelling evolved through Old French genever and Middle English Januarie before stabilizing as "January."

Examples

  1. My birthday is in January.

  2. January is often the coldest month in this region.

  3. The project deadline was extended to January 15th.

  4. Many people set resolutions at the start of January.

  5. January sales attract shoppers with significant discounts.