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
Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 3 July 2024
China’s coast guard has increased patrols in waters around Kinmen and other outlying islands controlled by Taiwan since February, when two Chinese fishermen were drowned while being chased by Taiwan’s coast guard, who accused them of trespassing.
—Eric Cheung, CNN, 3 July 2024
In February, the company was barred from using its name in Brazil due to confusion with another company.
—Harry Booth, TIME, 3 July 2024
Trending on Billboard In a February 2021 video, Wallen was caught yelling the N-word and other expletives while arriving home with some friends.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 3 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for February 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'February.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“February.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/February. Accessed 7 Jul. 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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