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February

[ feb-roo-er-ee, feb-yoo‑ ]

noun

, plural Feb·ru·ar·ies.
  1. the second month of the year, ordinarily containing 28 days, but containing 29 days in leap years. : Feb.


February

/ ˈfɛbrʊərɪ /

noun

  1. the second month of the year, consisting of 28 or (in a leap year) 29 days


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Pronunciation Note

Many people try to pronounce February with both [r] sounds, as shown above. The common pronunciation [feb, -yoo-er-ee], with the first [r] replaced by [y], is the result of dissimilation, the tendency of like sounds to become unlike when they follow each other closely. An additional influence is analogy with January. Although sometimes criticized, this dissimilated pronunciation of February is used by educated speakers and is considered standard.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of February1

before 1000; Middle English; Old English Februarius < Latin Februārius (mēnsis) expiatory (month), derivative of februa (plural) expiatory offerings; -ary

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Word History and Origins

Origin of February1

C13: from Latin Februārius mēnsis month of expiation, from februa Roman festival of purification held on February 15, from plural of februum a purgation

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Example Sentences

In February, Slovakia will have a referendum on whether marriage should be defined as a union between a man and a woman.

This past February, another member, Fernando Gonzalez, was sent back to Cuba.

And back in February, he lost a close pal in Philip Seymour Hoffman.

By the end of February, as Hitler consolidated his power, his decision was made: He would not—indeed, could not—remain.

Political tensions are underlying every move in Nigeria, where, in February, the next presidential candidates will be nominated.

The work was commenced in June, 1882, the memorial stone being laid February 15th, the following year.

At last he arrived at Dieppe, and, after a sojourn there, he put to sea upon the 26th of this same month of February.

On February 18th the French captured the suburb on the left bank of the river, and thus placed the inner town between two fires.

After the surrender of Comyn and his adherents in February 1303–4, he threw himself heartily into the pursuit of Wallace.

Early in February he was invited for a week's hunting to a house at which Betty Lardner was also a guest.

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