n. 1 the fifth month of the year. 2 (may) the hawthorn or its blossom. 3 poet. bloom, prime. may-apple an American herbaceous plant, Podophyllum peltatum, bearing a yellow egg-shaped fruit in May. May-bug a cockchafer. May Day 1 May esp. as a festival with dancing, or as an international holiday in honour of workers. May queen a girl chosen to preside over celebrations on May Day. Queen of the May = May queen.
[ ME f. OF mai f. L Maius (mensis) (month) of the goddess Maia ]