michaelmas Definition
- 1the feast of the archangel Michael, celebrated on September 29th
- 2the quarter day on which this feast falls, regarded as the beginning of winter in the traditional calendar
Using michaelmas: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "michaelmas" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Michaelmas is a traditional time for hiring fairs and autumnal markets.
Example
The school year at Oxford and Cambridge universities begins at Michaelmas.
Phrases with michaelmas
Michaelmas daisy
a type of daisy that blooms in late summer and early autumn, also known as the aster flower
Example
The garden was full of Michaelmas daisies.
a goose traditionally eaten on Michaelmas Day
Example
We always have a Michaelmas goose for dinner on September 29th.
the first academic term of the academic year at some universities, especially Oxford and Cambridge
Example
The Michaelmas term at Oxford University runs from October to December.
Origins of michaelmas
from 'Michael' + 'mass', referring to the feast of St. Michael the Archangel
Summary: michaelmas in Brief
'Michaelmas' [ˈmɪkəlməs] refers to the feast of the archangel Michael, celebrated on September 29th, and the quarter day on which this feast falls, marking the beginning of winter. It is a traditional time for hiring fairs and autumnal markets, and the school year at Oxford and Cambridge universities begins at Michaelmas.
