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
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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
See All Example Sentences for January
Cite this Entry
“January.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/January. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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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.
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