WordGarden.ioapril
A1Pronunciation
UK
US
- /ˈeɪprəl/
Meanings
Noun
the fourth month of the year
Proper-noun
a personal given name
Beyond the definition
April is the fourth month of the year in the Gregorian calendar, and it has 30 days. In English, it’s written with a capital letter: April. In the Northern Hemisphere, April often feels like the world waking up from winter; in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s typically an autumn month. It’s famous for “April showers” that help bring spring growth, and it’s often linked to themes of renewal and rebirth. Writers have long used April as a symbol of changeability—sunshine one moment, sudden rain the next—capturing that mix of fresh warmth and lingering chill.
The name April is sometimes connected with Latin aperire (“to open”), though its exact origin is debated, and it has also been linked to Roman themes of love and beauty. So when April arrives, it can feel like more than a date on the calendar: it’s a month of shifting weather, seasonal turning points, and a sense of things beginning again.
April is the fourth month of the year in the Gregorian and Julian calendars, and it has 30 days. In English it’s capitalized (April) and commonly abbreviated as Apr. In the Northern Hemisphere, it often marks a noticeable shift into spring; in the Southern Hemisphere, it generally falls in autumn. Because the weather can swing quickly between sun, wind, and rain, “April” is frequently used in writing to suggest unpredictability and transition.
The month’s name is traditionally connected with Latin aperire (“to open”), a neat fit for buds and blossoms, but the true origin is uncertain and has been debated for centuries. In Roman tradition, April was associated with fertility and love, including festivals connected with Venus. April also contains April Fools’ Day (April 1), a day for jokes and playful tricks.
The phrase “April showers” is famously connected to this month, referring to the frequent rainfall that nourishes spring growth. This weather pattern is celebrated in the proverb “April showers bring May flowers,” highlighting the connection between rain and blossoming life. Shakespeare frequently references April in his works, often portraying it as a changeable time capable of both gentle warmth and sudden storms. Chaucer even opens The Canterbury Tales with the image of April’s “sweet showers” piercing March’s drought, making April a classic symbol of seasonal change.
Today, April is celebrated for Earth Day (typically April 22), a global event promoting environmental awareness and action. It remains a month symbolic of renewal, growth, and the vibrant energy of spring—a time when the world seems to awaken after its winter slumber.
Examples
- 1
Spring blooms
The cherry trees usually bloom in April.
- 2
Lease date
Our lease ends on April 30, so we need to move soon.
- 3
Wedding plans
She's getting married next April.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- aprilnoun