Hiver

Hiver is the French noun for winter, the coldest season of the year in most temperate and polar regions. The term derives from Old French hivier, which in turn comes from Latin hibernus, meaning wintry or of winter. In French, hiver refers to the recurring annual period characterized by lower temperatures, shorter days, and, in many regions, snow or frost.

In meteorology, winter is defined in the northern hemisphere as December 1 through February 28 (or 29). In astronomy, it begins at the winter solstice (around December 21) and ends at the vernal equinox (around March 20). In the southern hemisphere, winter occurs roughly from June to August. Temperature and weather during hiver vary widely depending on latitude, altitude, and local climate patterns.

Typical features of winter include cold temperatures, snow and frost, and reduced daylight hours. The season can impact agriculture, energy consumption, transportation, and daily life. Ecologically, many plants enter dormancy, while animals employ strategies such as migration, hibernation, or lowered activity to cope with the harsher conditions.

Culturally, hiver shapes fashion, housing, and seasonal traditions in French-speaking regions. It is associated with holidays and activities that reflect the season’s atmosphere, from festive celebrations to winter sports. The word is occasionally used in literature and poetry to evoke mood or imagery tied to cold, darkness, or renewal.

See also: Winter; Hibernation; Season.