december
UK[dɪˈsembə]US[dɪˈsembər]
n
The twelfth and last month of the year, in the Gregorian calendar
Morpheme Breakdown
decem
ber
decem
ten
ber
suffix forming month names
Etymology
The word 'December' originates from the Latin 'December', which itself is derived from 'decem', meaning "ten". In the ancient Roman calendar, which began in March, December was the tenth month of the year. The '-ber' suffix is a marker used in Latin for several month names (e.g., September, October, November). Despite calendar reforms that later added January and February, shifting December to the twelfth position, its name has retained its etymological link to the number ten, preserving a historical artifact of an earlier timekeeping system.
Analysis
Structure: decem (ten) + ber (suffix forming month names)
decem (Latin, meaning "ten"); ber (Latin suffix, used in forming the names of months).
Examples
We always visit family in December for the holidays.
The project deadline is set for the first week of December.
December in this region is usually cold and snowy.