May is a noun with two distinctclearly different from each other meanings: a thornyhaving sharp points or spines floweringproducing blossoms or flowers shrub or small tree, and the fifth month of the year. The month meaning is the one most people use in everyday English.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /meɪ/
Easy pronunciation: MAY (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress is on the only syllable.
Month name, the fifth month of the year.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
May Meaning
the fifth month of the year
Part of speech: noun
Definition: the month following April and preceding June
Example: We’re planning the wedding for May.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of May
Meaning 2
a hawthorn shrub or small tree with white or red flowers and red berries
Part of speech: noun
Definition: 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
Example: The hedge was made of may.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- crataegus laevigata — Scientific name used for one type of hawthorn; not a normal everyday substitute.
- crataegus oxycantha — Scientific name used for one type of hawthorn; not a normal everyday substitute.
- english hawthorn — A genuine name for this plant.
- whitethorn — A common name for the plant, though regionally variable.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: inaccurate — correction needed. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
May Synonyms
the plant sense of may
- english hawthorn
- whitethorn
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Do not confuse may the month with may the plant.
- The plant sense is uncommon and usually appears in botanical or literary contexts.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does may mean?
May most commonly means the fifth month of the year. It can also refer to a hawthorn shrub or small tree.
What is may a synonym for?
In its botanical sense, may can refer to a hawthorn-type plant, including English hawthorn and whitethorn.
Is may a noun?
Yes. In this data, may is used as a noun for the month of May and for a type of shrub or small tree.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.