Month

Definition

Month is a noun that refers to a division of the year based on the orbit of the Moon around Earth, typically lasting around 30 days and forming part of a calendar.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /mʌnθ/
• Respelling: MONTH

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /mʌnθ/
• Respelling: MONTH

Etymology

The word "month" originates from the Old English "monað," which is derived from the Proto-Germanic "mēnōth-," related to the Proto-Indo-European root "*mēns-" meaning "moon" or "measure." It reflects the ancient practice of measuring time by the phases of the Moon.

Derivatives

• Monthly (adjective, adverb)
• Bimonthly (adjective, adverb)
• Monthlong (adjective)
• Month-end (noun)
• Midmonth (noun)

Synonyms

• 30-day period
• Lunar cycle
• Calendar month

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "month" is commonly used in relation to calendars, schedules, and timekeeping. For example, "The project will take at least one month to complete" or "June is my favorite month of the year."

Related Terms

• Year: A longer time division of 12 months.
• Week: A shorter time division of seven days.
• Calendar: A system used for organizing and measuring days, weeks, and months.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A division of the year: Typically one of the twelve periods, such as January or February, used in a calendar system.
  • Example: "March is a spring month in the Northern Hemisphere."
• A period of approximately 30 days: Refers to any span of time roughly equivalent to a calendar month.
  • Example: "The baby is two months old."
• A lunar cycle: A period based on the Moon’s phases, approximately 29.5 days.
  • Example: "The ancient calendar was organized by the lunar month.