January
/ˈdʒæn.ju.er.i/noun
The first month of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
Did you know?In Roman religion, Janus was the god of thresholds and transitions, so January was literally built as a doorway into the year.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Rome
Latin
Ianuarius
“The month dedicated to Janus”
Late Latin
Latin
Ianuarius mēnsis
“January, the month of Janus”
Old French
Old French
Jenvier / Janvier
“January”
Middle English
English
Januarie
“January”
Modern English
English
January
“The first month of the year”