January

[jan-yoo-er-ee]

noun

plural

Januaries 

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

January

/ ˈdʒænjʊərɪ /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of January¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of January¹

C14: from Latin Jānuārius, from adj: (month) of _Janus ¹

Example Sentences

Yourex allegedly bragged about the feat on social media, sharing a picture of Maya toting an “I Voted” sticker and posing with the illegal ballot in January 2022, prosecutors said.

From Los Angeles Times

Judge James G. Bertoli, who retires in January, was publicly admonished by a judicial conduct commission for improper political activity and social media conduct.

From Los Angeles Times

In January, crews struggled to contain a devastating firestorm that decimated portions of Altadena and the Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times

The German officially took over on 1 January - two and a half months after his unveiling - but England have only played four games since, with Wayne Rooney describing the fixtures as "nonsense" in any case.

From BBC

Her sister also signed a contract extension last January, one that was intended to keep her with the team through 2028.

From Los Angeles Times

When To Use

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.