midwinter

Everyday

1. Midwinter is the middle of winter, the coldest and darkest part. tree →
2. Midwinter is the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, in late December in the northern half of the world and in June in the southern half. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons about the Earth and seasons, midwinter is when one half of the Earth tilts furthest away from the Sun, so days are shortest. In history, people at Stonehenge celebrated midwinter, and many festivals like Christmas, Yule and Hanukkah come near it in the north. In Australia and New Zealand, midwinter is in June, and some hold «Christmas in July» parties.

Examples

• Midwinter is the shortest day of the year. tree →
• People gather at Stonehenge at midwinter. tree →
• In Australia, midwinter is in June. tree →
• The midwinter sun sets very early. tree →
• The carol «In the Bleak Midwinter» is a famous Christmas song. tree →
• It snowed heavily in midwinter. tree →
• Some towns hold midwinter festivals with lanterns. tree →

Note

Usually uncountable, no article: «at midwinter», «in midwinter». Opposite: midsummer. Seasons are opposite in the north and south of the world.