April
/ˈeɪ.prəl/noun
The fourth month of the Gregorian calendar, containing thirty days.
Did you know?The Romans celebrated Veneralia, a festival honoring Venus, on April 1, which helped associate the month with love and renewal.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Latin
Latin
Aprilis
“The Roman name for the fourth month; its ultimate origin is uncertain.”
1st Century BCE
Latin
Aprilis
“A month associated in Roman tradition with Venus and springtime renewal; ancient writers also linked it to opening or blooming.”
Old English
Old English
Ēastermōnaþ
“The month-name used for April, literally associated with the spring festival or goddess Ēostre.”
12th Century
Old French
avril
“The French descendant of Latin Aprilis.”
13th Century
Middle English
Aprill
“The English calendar month, borrowed through Old French.”
Modern English
English
April
“The fourth month of the modern calendar.”