August
August is the eighth month of the Gregorian calendar, with 31 days, following July and preceding September.
August is the eighth month of the Gregorian calendar, with 31 days, following July and preceding September. The month was renamed in honour of the Roman emperor Augustus Caesar, according to common etymological accounts. The name also exists in English as an adjective meaning dignified, majestic, or venerable.
Etymology
The month name August is commonly traced to Augustus Caesar, whose honourific name was applied to the former Roman month Sextilis. Sources also connect the adjective august to Latin roots meaning venerable or majestic.
Calendar role
August is the eighth month in the Gregorian calendar and contains 31 days. It sits between July and September in standard month order.
English usage
As an adjective, august describes something respected, imposing, or filled with dignity. This sense is distinct from the month name but shares the same Latin-origin spelling.
Seasonal context
In the Northern Hemisphere, August usually falls in summer, while in the Southern Hemisphere it falls in winter. Time-and-date sources describe it as the last month of summer in the north and the last month of winter in the south.
Key facts
- August is the eighth month of the Gregorian calendar and has 31 days.
- The month was named in honour of Augustus Caesar, the first Roman emperor.
- In English, august can also mean dignified, majestic, or venerable.
- August is typically late summer in the Northern Hemisphere and late winter in the Southern Hemisphere.
August is relevant in Canada as the eighth month of the Gregorian calendar used nationally; it falls in summer across most of Canada, with the month often associated with late-summer holidays and seasonal events.
Frequently asked questions
What is August?
Why is the month called August?
What does august mean as a word?
What month comes before August?
What month comes after August?
How many days are in August?
References
- Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/augustSupports: August as the eighth month; adjective meaning marked by majestic dignity or grandeur.
- Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/augustSupports: August as the eighth month after July and before September; adjective meaning of great importance or respect.
- The Free Dictionary — https://www.thefreedictionary.com/augustSupports: August as the eighth month; 31 days; adjective meaning venerable or majestic; Gregorian calendar context.
- Dictionary.com — https://www.dictionary.com/articles/augustSupports: Etymology linking the month name to Augustus Caesar and noting the older Roman name Sextilis.
- Online Etymology Dictionary — https://www.etymonline.com/word/augustSupports: Latin origin of the adjective and month name; renaming of Sextilis in honour of Augustus Caesar.
- Britannica Dictionary — https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/AugustSupports: August as the eighth month of the year.
- timeanddate.com — https://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/months/august.htmlSupports: August as the eighth Gregorian month with 31 days; seasonal context; naming in honour of Augustus.