noun
December
dih-SEHM-buh
noun
1
The twelfth and final month of the year in the Gregorian calendar, coming after November.
"Most schools break up for the holidays in mid-December."
"The northern hemisphere's shortest day falls in December."
How to Use December
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe last month of the year, associated with winter and end-of-year holidays in much of the world.
Memory tip
Like all month names, "December" is always capitalized in English.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
in December
early December
a December wedding
Word Forms
Decembers plural
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Most schools break up for the holidays in mid-_____.
Etymology
From Latin December, based on decem ("ten") — it was the tenth month in the old Roman calendar, before January and February were added to the start of the year.