dog-days
Definition
Noun (plural in form, used with a singular or plural verb): - The hottest period of the year: "dog-days" refers to the sultry, oppressive part of summer, typically lasting from early July to early September in the Northern Hemisphere. This period is associated with the heliacal rising of Sirius, the Dog Star. - Example: The dog-days of August made it nearly impossible to work outdoors. (The hottest, most uncomfortable days of summer.)
Usage Examples
- (We avoid the peak of summer heat.)
- (The hottest part of the year is characterized by oppressive weather.)
Advanced Usage
- "dog-days of summer": a common phrase emphasizing the peak of summer heat.
- The dog-days of summer often bring thunderstorms and lethargy. (The hottest weeks frequently include both storms and a feeling of sluggishness.)
- "dog-days" (figurative): can be used metaphorically for any period of stagnation, inactivity, or difficulty.
- The company experienced the dog-days of its financial crisis last quarter. (A period of severe hardship and little progress.)
Variants and Related Words
- Dog-day (adj): relating to or occurring during the dog-days.
- A dog-day afternoon is best spent in the shade. (An afternoon typical of the hottest part of summer.)
- Dog star (n): Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky, whose rising was anciently linked to this hot period.
Synonyms
- Canicular days: a formal term for the same period, derived from Latin ("little dog").
- Heat wave: a prolonged period of excessively hot weather, though not necessarily tied to a specific calendar period.
- Summer's peak: the apex of summer heat.
Related Idioms
- The dog-days are upon us: an expression meaning the hottest part of summer has arrived.
- With temperatures soaring past 100°F, the dog-days are upon us. (The worst heat of summer is now here.)