may
Formsmay, maying, might, mayed
Formsmay, maying, might, mayed
- 1
- 2The fifth month of the year, after April and before June.
My birthday is in May.
The school year ends in late May.
UsageSay in May and on May 3, with a capital M.
Note
- 3Used to say someone is allowed to do something, or to ask or say something politely.
You may leave the table when you finish your dinner.
May I borrow your pen for a minute?
UsageFor earlier times, say was allowed to. You can also ask Can I or Could I.
Similarcan
- 4Used to admit that one thing is true before adding a point that goes against it.
He may be young, but he plays the piano like a pro.
She may have lost the race, but she was proud of how she ran.
UsageSay it may be true, but... to agree a little and then disagree.
Similarmight
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Less common meanings
- 5Used to make a wish, to say you hope something will happen.
May you both be very happy together.
May the best team win!
UsagePut may first to wish something: may you be happy.
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- 6An old way of saying 'can' or 'be able to'.
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- 7The hawthorn bush, or the flowers that grow on it.
In spring, the hedges along the lane were white with may.
She picked a branch of may and put it in a jar.
UsageSay a branch of may, with a small m.
Similarhawthorn, whitethorn
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- 8To be strong, or to have power over something.
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- 9A young woman or girl who is not married.
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- 10To pick spring flowers and celebrate May Day, an old village custom.
Early in the morning, the girls went maying in the woods and came home with flowers for the table.
We spent the afternoon maying along the river, our arms full of flowers.
UsagePeople say go maying.
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Showing meanings only.
Practice
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Origins
From Latin Maius, "Maia's month", named after the Roman goddess Maia.
Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 3 facts
- The month name ultimately derives from Latin Maius, interpreted as “Maia's month”. en.wiktionary.org
- Latin Maius derives from the goddess's name Maia. en.wiktionary.org
- Maia was a Roman goddess. en.wikipedia.org
From French mai, because it flowers in the month of May.
Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 2 facts
- The plant name may comes from French mai. en.wiktionary.org
- The hawthorn is so named because it flowers in May. en.wiktionary.org
From an Old English word meaning "kinswoman", later used for a girl or young woman.
Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 2 facts
- May derives from an Old English word meaning kinswoman. en.wikisource.org
- The descendant word was used for a girl or young woman. en.wikisource.org
The verb comes from an Old English verb, magan, meaning 'to be able'.
Checked 3 Nov 2026 · 2 facts
- The verb may comes from Old English magan. en.wikipedia.org
- Old English magan means to be able. en.wiktionary.org