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- Definition
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Examples of April in a Sentence
We have had snowstorms the last few Aprils.
The children have a week off from school every April.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French avrill, from Latin Aprilis
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of April was
before the 12th century
Phrases Containing April
Dictionary Entries Near April
Cite this Entry
“April.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/April. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
April
noun
: the 4th month of the year
Etymology
Middle English April "April," from early French avrill and Latin Aprilis (both meaning "April")
Word Origin
The English word April comes from the Latin Aprilis, the name given to the month by the ancient Romans. No one knows for certain why the Romans named it as they did. Some Roman authors thought that Aprilis was related to the Latin verb aperire meaning "to open," because April "opened" the buds of leaves and flowers. A more likely theory is that the name was based on Apru, an Etruscan form of the name of the Greek goddess Aphrodite.
More from Merriam-Webster on April
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about April
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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