December

The word “December” means the twelfth and final month of the year in the Gregorian calendar, coming after November. In plain terms, the last month of the year, associated with winter and end-of-year holidays in much of the world.

“December” is pronounced dih-SEHM-buh (/dɪˈsɛm.bɚ/ in IPA).

Here is “December” used in a sentence: “Most schools break up for the holidays in mid-December.”

“December” is a noun.

The word “December” comes from Latin. 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.

“December” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

The name comes from the Latin 'decem', meaning ten, because December was the tenth month in the early Roman calendar, which began in March. When January and February were later added to the start of the year, the month kept its original name despite shifting to twelfth position.

December has 31 days, making it one of the seven months of that length. It is the final month of the year, ending on the 31st, which is New Year's Eve. The following day, 1 January, begins the next year.

In the Northern Hemisphere, December falls in winter and contains the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. In the Southern Hemisphere the seasons are reversed, so December is a summer month there. The exact solstice date is usually 21 or 22 December.

December is rich in celebrations, including Christmas on the 25th, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the winter solstice, followed by New Year's Eve on the 31st. Many cultures mark the month with festivals of light and midwinter gatherings, making it one of the most festive times of the year.