Groundhog Day


noun

February 2, in most parts of the U.S., the day on which, according to legend, the groundhog first emerges from hibernation. If it is a sunny day and the groundhog sees its shadow, six more weeks of wintry weather are predicted.

Origin of Groundhog Day

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75

British Dictionary definitions for groundhog day

Groundhog Day

noun

(in the US and Canada) February 2nd, when, according to tradition, the groundhog emerges from hibernation; if it sees its shadow, it returns to its burrow for six weeks as a sunny day indicates a late spring, while a cloudy day would mean an early spring
a situation in which events are or appear to be continually repeated

Word Origin for Groundhog Day

C20: sense 2 from the 1993 film Groundhog Day, in which the lead character experiences the same day repeatedly

Cultural definitions for groundhog day

Groundhog Day

February 2. According to the legend of Groundhog Day, if a groundhog (a woodchuck) comes out of his hole on that day and sees his shadow, six more weeks of winter will follow. If no shadow appears, there will be an early spring.