noun

1. 1. the coldest season of the year: in the North Temperate Zone, generally regarded as including the months of December, January, and February: in the astronomical year, that period between the winter solstice and the vernal equinox
   2. the typically cold weather of this season
2. a year as reckoned by this season a man of eighty winters
3. any period of decline, dreariness, adversity, etc.

Etymology: ME < OE, akin to ON vetr, Goth wintrus, prob. < IE *wed-, to make wet: see water

adjective

1. of or characteristic of winter
2. designed for or taking place during winter winter sports
3. that will keep during the winter winter apples
4. planted in the fall to be harvested in the spring winter wheat

intransitive verb

1. to pass the winter
2. to be supplied with food and shelter in the winter

transitive verb