February
noun
ˈfe-brə-
How do you pronounce February?: Usage Guide
Dissimilation may occur when a word contains two identical or closely related sounds, resulting in the change or loss of one of them. This happens regularly in February, which is more often pronounced \ˈfe-b(y)ə-ˌwer-ē\ than \ˈfe-brə-ˌwer-ē\, though all of these variants are in frequent use and widely accepted. The \y\ heard from many speakers is not an intrusion but rather a common pronunciation of the vowel u after a consonant, as in January and annual.
Examples of February in a Sentence
Serena Lin, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
It’s nominated for five honors at next February’s Grammy Awards.
—Spin Staff, SPIN, 22 Nov. 2024
Frieze Los Angeles has named the more than 100 galleries that will participate in its 2025 edition, scheduled to run February 20–23 at the Santa Monica Airport.
—Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 22 Nov. 2024
The group is planning a grand tasting in New York in February, and are in the process of outlining additional tastings and educational seminars across the state.
—Emily Cappiello, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“February.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/February. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
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February
noun
ˈfeb-rə-
Old English Februarius "February," from Latin Februarius "February," literally, "of Februa," from Februa "feast of cleansing"
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