What does winter mean?
Winter is the coldest season of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, it conventionally extends from December to February, while in the Southern Hemisphere the same period falls from June to August. The word is used both literally for the season and figuratively for times of hardship, scarcity, isolation, or emotional difficulty. For example, a political crisis may be described as a “winter of discontent,” while a prolonged period of neglect can be called a “long winter.” As a verb, “to winter” means to spend or pass the winter in a place, a usage that is especially associated with literary and historical writing. As an adjective, “winter” describes things connected with the season, including weather, clothing, breaks, and sports. Although winter conditions vary greatly by latitude and climate, the word commonly evokes cold weather, snow or ice, shorter days, and the natural cycle of seasonal change.
The coldest season of the year, conventionally occurring from December to February in the Northern Hemisphere and from June to August in the Southern Hemisphere; figuratively, a period of hardship or difficulty.
"Cold winds swept across the valley all winter."
The meaning is broadly the same in British and American English; only the hemispheral dates differ.
To spend or pass the winter in a particular place.
"Many migratory birds winter along the warmer coast."
This use is more common in formal, literary, and historical contexts than in everyday speech.
Relating to or occurring in the winter season.
"The town offers winter skiing and snowshoeing."
The adjective is normally used attributively rather than predicatively.
The plural refers to multiple winter seasons or to successive years experienced as winter.
"The islanders endured several harsh winters."
The English word preserves an ancient Germanic name for the cold season, surviving almost unchanged from Old English through the present.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does winter come from?
The English word descends from Old English winter, which was inherited from Proto-Germanic *wintruz. It is cognate with related words in other Germanic languages, including Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian vinter and Icelandic vetur. The ultimate origin of the Proto-Germanic form is uncertain, although some scholars have connected it with an Indo-European root associated with wetness.
Related word forms
How winter is actually used
“Winter” is standard in British and American English, although its calendar months differ between the hemispheres. As a verb, “to winter” is somewhat literary and often means to remain somewhere during winter. As an adjective, it is mainly used attributively, as in “winter weather” or “winter clothing.” Figurative uses often suggest coldness, deprivation, isolation, or adversity.
Easily confused with winter
“Winter” names the season, while “wintery” means cold, harsh, or wintry.