English Reference
noun · verb

winter

n. · v.
US /ˈwɪntɝ/ UK /wˈɪntɐ/ win·ter UK spelling wintered

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    n.the coldest season of the year, coming between autumn and spring.

    n.the coldest of the four temperate seasons, occurring between the autumn equinox and the spring equinox.

    Simple

    We usually get a lot of snow here during the winter.

    In context

    The harsh winter of 1947 caused significant disruption to the national infrastructure, leading to widespread fuel shortages and transport failures.

    wintertime
  2. 02 C2 Proficiency Literary

    n.a time of old age, sadness, or the end of something.

    n.a figurative period of decline, old age, or dormancy preceding an end.

    Simple

    The old king felt he was in the winter of his life.

    In context

    The poet uses the imagery of a barren landscape to represent the metaphorical winter of a dying empire.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to stay in a particular place during the cold months.

    v.to pass the winter season in a specific location; often used of migratory animals or people traveling to warmer climates.

    Simple

    Many birds winter in the south where the weather is warmer.

    In context

    Wealthy retirees often choose to winter in the Mediterranean to avoid the damp and grey conditions of Northern Europe.

    Usage

    The verb is often intransitive, frequently followed by 'in' or 'at'.

    overwinterhibernate
  4. 04 C1 Advanced Technical

    v.to keep and feed animals during the cold months to protect them.

    v.to keep, feed, or manage livestock through the winter months.

    Simple

    The farmer had to winter the cattle in the large barn.

    In context

    The cost of wintering the herd has risen sharply due to the increased price of imported hay and grain.

    Usage

    Used transitively when referring to the management of livestock.

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated