Winter: meaning, definitions and examples

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winter

 

[ ˈwɪn.tər ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

time of year

Winter is the coldest season of the year in polar and temperate zones. It occurs after autumn and before spring. The days are shorter and the nights are longer during winter.

Synonyms

chilly season, cold season, frosty season

Examples of usage

  • The trees are bare in winter.
  • We usually get snow in winter.
  • I love to drink hot chocolate in winter.
Context #2 | Noun

period of dormancy

In agriculture, winter is the period when crops are not growing actively. It is a time of dormancy for many plants and animals.

Synonyms

dormant period, hibernation season, inactive season

Examples of usage

  • The farmers prepare for winter by storing food.
  • Bears hibernate in winter to survive the cold.
Context #3 | Verb

to spend the winter in a particular place

To winter somewhere means to spend the winter in a particular place. It is often used in relation to birds or people who migrate seasonally.

Synonyms

hibernate, migrate, stay for the winter

Examples of usage

  • The robins winter in the south.
  • We usually winter in Florida.

Translations

Translations of the word "winter" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inverno

🇮🇳 सर्दी

🇩🇪 Winter

🇮🇩 musim dingin

🇺🇦 зима

🇵🇱 zima

🇯🇵 

🇫🇷 hiver

🇪🇸 invierno

🇹🇷 kış

🇰🇷 겨울

🇸🇦 شتاء

🇨🇿 zima

🇸🇰 zima

🇨🇳 冬天

🇸🇮 zima

🇮🇸 vetur

🇰🇿 қыс

🇬🇪 ზამთარი

🇦🇿 qış

🇲🇽 invierno

Word origin

The word 'winter' has its origins in Old English 'winter', which is related to Dutch 'winter' and German 'Winter'. It is believed to have come from a Proto-Germanic word meaning 'wet' or 'water'. The association with cold and wet conditions led to the word being used to describe the coldest season of the year. Winter has been a significant season in many cultures, often associated with festivals, holidays, and traditions.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,366, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.