January

noun

Jan·​u·​ary ˈjan-yə-ˌwer-ē 

-ˌwe-rē

plural Januaries or Januarys

: the first month of the Gregorian calendar

Examples of January in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The only question, with many races still to be decided, is how big a majority Democrats will enjoy when the next Congress convenes in January. — Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026

Aquarius January 20 – February 18 Someone else’s suggestion might deserve a second hearing. — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 4 Nov. 2026

Andrews pivoted to campaign against Darline Graham, the late senator's sister, who was appointed by Governor Henry McMaster to fill his seat through January 2027. — Eve Batey, Vanity Fair, 4 Nov. 2026

Its approval means Florida’s tax and budget landscape is set to dramatically change as early as January. — Miami Herald, 4 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English Januarie, from Latin Januarius, 1st month of the ancient Roman year, from Janus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for January

• askari
• astbury
• azeri
• banbury
• barberry
• blackberry
• blueberry
• canary
• cranberry
• dentary
• dewberry
• dogberry

Kids Definition

January

noun

Jan·​u·​ary ˈjan-yə-ˌwer-ē 

: the first month of the year

Etymology

from Latin Januarius "first month of the year," from Janus, a Roman god

Word Origin

Among the many gods worshipped by the ancient Romans was one named Janus. He was believed to have two faces, one looking forward and one looking back. Janus was associated with doors, gates, and all beginnings. Because of that, when the Romans changed their calendar and added two months to the beginning of the year, they named the first one Januarius to honor Janus. The English January comes from Latin Januarius.