Winter — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb adjective /ˈwin-tər/ win·ter

Meaning & Definition of Winter

Winter (noun)

  1. the season between autumn and spring comprising in the northern hemisphere usually the months of December, January, and February or as reckoned astronomically extending from the December solstice to the March equinox
  2. the colder half of the year
  3. year

Winter (verb)

  1. to pass the winter
  2. to feed or find food during the winter —used with on
  3. to keep, feed, or manage during the winter

Winter (adjective)

  1. of, relating to, or suitable for winter
  2. sown in the autumn and harvested in the following spring or summer

Winter (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a period of often involuntary inactivity or idleness

    "during the long winter when the party was out of power, it had plenty of time to reconsider its political priorities"

    similar: downtime, layoff, time-out
    related: break, breath, breather, interruption, lull, pause, recess, abeyance, doldrums, dormancy, latency, quiescence, suspense, suspension

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Winter

The most common words with a similar meaning to Winter:

downtime, layoff, time-out

Related Words for Winter

break, breath, breather, interruption, lull, pause, recess, abeyance, doldrums, dormancy, latency, quiescence, suspense, suspension

Word Forms of Winter

Inflections: wintered, wintering

Origin & Etymology of Winter

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German wintar winter and perhaps to Lithuanian vanduo water, Old English wæter water

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Winter

Words & Phrases Containing Winter

winter aconite, winter crookneck, winter flounder, winter-kill, winter melon, winter quarters, winter savory

Frequently Asked Questions about Winter

What does "Winter" mean?

"Winter" means the season between autumn and spring comprising in the northern hemisphere usually the months of December, January, and February or as reckoned astronomically extending from the December solstice to the March equinox. As an a noun, a verb and an adjective, it is defined as: the season between autumn and spring comprising in the northern hemisphere usually the months of December, January, and February or as reckoned astronomically extending from the December solstice to the March equinox.

What is another word for "Winter"?

Other words for "Winter" include downtime, layoff and time-out. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Winter" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Winter"?

There are 17 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Winter". Common alternatives include downtime, layoff and time-out.

How do you use "Winter" in a sentence?

Examples of "Winter" in a sentence: "during the long winter when the party was out of power, it had plenty of time to reconsider its political priorities".

Is "Winter" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Winter" can be used as a noun, a verb and an adjective, depending on the context.

Is "Winter" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Winter" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Winter"?

"Winter" is pronounced /ˈwin-tər/ and divided into syllables as win·ter.

What is the origin of the word "Winter"?

"Winter" comes from Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German wintar winter and perhaps to Lithuanian vanduo water, Old English wæter water. First known use: before 12th century.