noun
equinox
EHK-wih-noks
Equinox (noun) means Either of the two times a year (around March 20 and September 22) when day and night are of roughly equal length everywhere on Earth. Example: “The spring equinox marks the start of longer, warmer days in the north.”
noun
1
Either of the two times a year (around March 20 and September 22) when day and night are of roughly equal length everywhere on Earth.
"The spring equinox marks the start of longer, warmer days in the north."
"Many ancient cultures held festivals around the autumn equinox."
How to use equinox
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe day, twice a year, when day and night last about the same amount of time.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with a solstice — the equinox is when day and night are equal; the solstice is when one of them is at its longest or shortest.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
spring equinox
autumn equinox
vernal equinox
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Word forms
- Plural
- equinoxes, equinoctes
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The spring _____ marks the start of longer, warmer days in the north.
Etymology
From Latin aequinoctium, from aequus ("equal") + nox ("night").
Synonyms
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equinoctial point
Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “equinox” mean?
The word “equinox” means either of the two times a year (around March 20 and September 22) when day and night are of roughly equal length everywhere on Earth. In plain terms, the day, twice a year, when day and night last about the same amount of time.
How do you pronounce “equinox”?
“Equinox” is pronounced EHK-wih-noks (/ˈɛkwəˌnɑks/ in IPA).
How do you use “equinox” in a sentence?
Here is “equinox” used in a sentence: “The spring equinox marks the start of longer, warmer days in the north.”
What part of speech is “equinox”?
“Equinox” is a noun.
Where does the word “equinox” come from?
The word “equinox” comes from Latin. From Latin aequinoctium, from aequus ("equal") + nox ("night").
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