December

Definition

December is a noun that refers to the twelfth and final month of the year in the Gregorian calendar, typically associated with winter in the Northern Hemisphere and summer in the Southern Hemisphere. It has 31 days and is known for various holidays, including Christmas and New Year's Eve.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪˈsɛmbər/
• Respelling: di-SEM-ber

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪˈsɛmbə/
• Respelling: di-SEM-buh

Etymology

The word "December" originates from the Latin "december," meaning "tenth month," derived from "decem," the Latin word for "ten." In the Roman calendar, December was originally the tenth month before the addition of January and February shifted it to the twelfth position.

Derivatives

• Decemberly (adjective, rare)
• Decemberish (adjective, informal)
• December-born (adjective)
• Decembrist (noun, historical)
• Mid-December (noun)

Synonyms

• Twelfth month
• Holiday season (colloquial)
• Winter month (Northern Hemisphere)

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "December" is widely used to refer to the month marking the end of the calendar year, often associated with winter holidays and seasonal festivities, as in "The holiday decorations go up every December." It is also frequently used in reference to end-of-year events and celebrations.

Related Terms

• Winter: The coldest season of the year, typically associated with December in the Northern Hemisphere.
• Calendar: A system for organizing days, weeks, and months.
• Holiday: A special day for celebration, often occurring in December.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The twelfth month of the Gregorian calendar: Refers to the final month of the year, which has 31 days and is known for winter holidays and celebrations.
  • Example: "They traveled to see family in December."
• A time associated with winter in the Northern Hemisphere and summer in the Southern Hemisphere: Describes the seasonal context of December, which varies by hemisphere.
  • Example: "December is often snowy in the north and warm in the south."