May
WordNet
noun
(1) Thorny Eurasian shrub of small tree having dense clusters of white to scarlet flowers followed by deep red berries; established as an escape in eastern North America
(2) The month following April and preceding June
WiktionaryText
Etymology
, from , from mai, from , Maia's month, from Maia, a Roman earth goddess, possibly from Proto-Indo-European *magya, she who is great, from Proto-Indo-European base *meg-, great
Proper noun
- The fifth month of the Gregorian calendar, following April and preceding June.
- The hawthorn or its blossoms (as it blooms in May)
- , pet name for Mary and Margaret, reinforced by the month and plant meaning
Usage notes
- May (or Mae) is often used in conjoined names (e.g., Lillie Mae, Katie Mae, Fannie Mae).