august

¹

[aw-guhst]

adjective

1. inspiring reverence or admiration; of supreme dignity or grandeur; majestic.

   an august performance of a religious drama.

2. venerable; eminent.

   an august personage.

August

²

[aw-guhst]

noun

1. the eighth month of the year, containing 31 days. Aug.

2. a first name, form of Augustus.

august

¹

/ ɔːˈɡʌst /

adjective

1. dignified or imposing

   an august presence

2. of noble birth or high rank

   an august lineage

August

²

/ ˈɔːɡəst /

noun

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

Other Word Forms

• augustness noun
• augustly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of august¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from French, Middle French auguste, from Latin augustus “sacred, grand,” akin to augēre “to increase” and augur ¹ ( def. ); eke ¹

Origin of august²

before 1100; Middle English < Latin Augustus (named after Augustus. ); replacing Old English Agustus < Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of august¹

C17: from Latin augustus; related to augēre to increase

Origin of august²

Old English, from Latin, named after the emperor _Augustus

Example Sentences

Two bombs exploded at a biotechnology corporation in Emeryville, near Oakland, USA, on 28 August 2003, with investigators believing the second bomb was planted to target first responders.

From BBC

In August, USA Today reported that ICE sent an email solicitation to deputies nationwide, leading the head of the National Sheriff’s Assn. to call the move “either galactically stupid or purposefully malicious.”

From Los Angeles Times

The full-time content creator was en route to Oxford when he parked up at Wollaton Park on 28 August.

From BBC

It's that decision which has now been linked to the firing of the agency's new director in late August, only 29 days into the job.

From BBC

But the end of the August recess in Washington — and the oncoming flu and COVID-19 season — could return public attention to subjects that have proved politically perilous for the president this week.

From Los Angeles Times

When To Use

What is August?

August is the eighth month of the year in the Gregorian calendar. It has 31 days and is between July and September.In the Northern Hemisphere August is known as a middle month of the summer season. In the Southern Hemisphere, it is a middle month of the winter season.Among the holidays that happen in August are several independence days. August 1 is Benin’s and Switzterland’s, August 13 is the Central African Republic’s, and August 24 is Ukraine’s, to name just a few.As an adjective, august describes something or someone who is majestic or who inspires admiration, as in Playing the part of the queen, Pramila wore an august crown that could be seen from the back row.Example: I get the back-to-school blues as soon as August begins.