February
- 1The short month that follows January and precedes March, and the one to which an extra day is added in leap years.
The conference is scheduled for the last week of February.
Every four years, February gains a twenty-ninth day.
UsageUse in February but on February 14 (not
incorrect: in February 14). It takes a capital, and both Februaries and Februarys are used.Note
The name preserves a Roman rite. Latin Februārius means the month of the Februa, a festival of purifications held two days after the ides. Macrobius's Saturnalia gives the reason the Romans inserted their extra days here: February was once the last month of the Roman year, so the extra time went into it.
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Origin
February comes from Middle English Februarie, from Latin Februārius, "the month of the Februa": Februa being the Roman purification festival held two days after its ides (February 15). The word Februa traces back to februum ("purging"), probably an old Latin word (Varro called it Sabine), possibly from Proto-Indo-European roots meaning "smoke" or "to burn." This relatinized form replaced the earlier Middle English feoverel, from Old French feverier, which itself had displaced Old English solmōnaþ, which Bede called the month of cakes.
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 6 facts
- February comes through Middle English Februarie from Latin Februārius, referring to the month of the Februa. en.wiktionary.org
- Februa was a Roman purification festival celebrated on February 15, two days after February's ides. en.wiktionary.org
- Februa derives from februum, denoting purification or a means of purification. en.wiktionary.org
- Proposed deeper etymologies connect the word with Proto-Indo-European roots meaning smoke or burn. en.wiktionary.org
- The Latin-influenced form replaced Middle English feoverel, derived from Old French feverier. en.wiktionary.org
- The French-derived name displaced the Old English month name solmōnaþ. en.wiktionary.org