august

"August" is an interesting word because it works in two completely different ways. As a proper noun, it's the name of the eighth month of the year. But as an adjective, it carries a powerful sense of greatness and dignity. Here are both key meanings.

1nounthe eighth month

August is the eighth month of the year, sitting between July and September. It has 31 days and is named after the Roman emperor Augustus Caesar. In the Northern Hemisphere, it is typically one of the hottest months of summer.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

My birthday is on the 14th of August.

The school year usually starts in late August.

August is the perfect time to go to the beach.

2adjectivefigurativeimpressive and respected

When you describe a person, place, or institution as august, you mean they command great respect and admiration — they feel grand, dignified, and important. Think of a wise elder, a historic palace, or a famous university. This word gives a sense of something almost majestic.

formal writing, literature · Formal, more common in older or literary texts · figurative

The young scientist was nervous to present her findings before such an august panel of experts.

The university has a long and august history stretching back five centuries.

He walked through the august halls of the old parliament building with a sense of awe.