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

In 1974 and 1975, daylight saving time began in January and February, respectively. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 31 July 2025

Other discounts are available January through March, as well as November and April. —Cassidey Kavathas, Freep.com, 31 July 2025

Board election: Looking ahead to La Jolla Parks & Beaches’ January election, President Bob Evans reminded people who might be interested in seeking a seat that there is still time to meet the attendance requirement for board eligibility. —Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 July 2025

The Oreo Reese’s cookies rolls out in September while supplies last, then returning permanently in January 2026. —Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 30 July 2025

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

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• beriberi
• breviary
• budgetary
• capillary
• catenary
• cautionary

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.