Hogmanay

noun

Hog·​ma·​nay ˌhäg-mə-ˈnā How to pronounce Hogmanay (audio)
ˈhäg-mə-ˌnā
1
Scotland : the eve of New Year's Day
2
Scotland : a gift solicited or given at Hogmanay

Examples of Hogmanay in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For the best rates, travel outside of major city events (like the Fringe Festival in August and New Year's Hogmanay). Nicole Trilivas, Travel + Leisure, 16 July 2024 Edinburgh puts on a Hogmanay festival that includes a torchlight procession, concerts, and a disco party. Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 24 Sep. 2023 Celebrations of New Year's Eve — called Hogmanay by the Scots — are particularly raucous. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 26 July 2023 Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon urged people to stay at home for the traditional Hogmanay year-end celebrations. Bloomberg.com, 29 Dec. 2020

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Hogmanay was in 1681

Dictionary Entries Near Hogmanay

Cite this Entry

“Hogmanay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Hogmanay. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on Hogmanay

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!