Definition of: winter

(win′tər) noun
1. The coldest season of the year, extending from the end of autumn to the beginning of spring: in the northern hemisphere, astronomically from the winter solstice, December 21, to the vernal equinox, March 21, but popularly regarded as including December, January, and February. ♦ Collateral adjectives: hibernal, hiemal.
2. Any time compared to winter, as being marked by lack of life, warmth, and cheer.
3. A year as including the winter season: used in reckoning the age of elderly persons: a man of ninety winters.
—v.i. To pass the winter: We wintered in Bermuda.
—v.t. To care for, feed, or protect during the winter: to winter animals or plants.
—adjective
1. Pertaining to or taking place in winter; hibernal.
2. Suitable to or characteristic of winter. [OE]
—win′ter·er noun
—win′terish adjective
—win′ter·less adjective