ides

/aɪdz/

The word ides refers to the middle of certain Roman months, particularly March, May, July, and October. March 15th is the ides of March.

The term ides stems from the ancient Roman calendar, marking the midpoint of months. Today, most people know the word from the phrase "Beware the ides of March," which comes from William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. In the play, a fortune-teller issues this warning to Caesar during events that lead up to his assassination in the Senate.

Definitions of ides

1. noun

   in the Roman calendar: the 15th of March or May or July or October or the 13th of any other month
   type of:

   day

   a day assigned to a particular purpose or observance