an·nu·al
ˈan-yə(-wə)l 
-yü-əl
1
: covering the period of a year
annual rainfall
annual income
2
: occurring or happening every year or once a year : yearly
an annual reunion
an annual physical checkup
3
: completing the life cycle in one growing season or single year
annual plants
1
: an event that occurs yearly
2
: a publication appearing yearly
the high-school annual
3
: something that lasts one year or season
specifically
: a plant that completes its life cycle in one growing season
Examples of annual in a Sentence
Adjective
The annual meeting is in July.
The company's earnings for last year are published in the annual report.
We had more snow this year than the average annual amount.
The company charges an annual fee of $45.
Noun
We planted some annuals in front of the house.
Recent Examples on the Web
Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 11 May 2025
Related Articles Pat Riley won’t apologize for Butler approach, says of Heat, ‘There has to be some change’
In October, such a window opens for Herro, who, coming off an All-Star season, is positioned for his own deal in the $50 million annual range.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 10 May 2025
Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 May 2025
Seeds of what is known as cudweed, a spring flowering annual, are blown about and can end up anywhere in the landscape — including container plantings.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for annual
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Adjective
Although nonmembers are welcome, only members will be able to vote on candidates and the annual budget.
—Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 11 May 2025
Related Articles Pat Riley won’t apologize for Butler approach, says of Heat, ‘There has to be some change’
In October, such a window opens for Herro, who, coming off an All-Star season, is positioned for his own deal in the $50 million annual range.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 10 May 2025
Noun
Dahlias can be perennials or annuals, and this decorative, potted annual will provide gorgeous blooms from summer to fall, all while supporting our ecosystem.
—Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 May 2025
Seeds of what is known as cudweed, a spring flowering annual, are blown about and can end up anywhere in the landscape — including container plantings.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for annual
Cite this Entry
“Annual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/annual. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
annual
1 of 2 adjective
an·nu·al
ˈan-y(ə-w)əl
1
: covering the period of a year
annual rainfall
2
: occurring or performed once a year : yearly
an annual meeting
3
: completing the life cycle in one growing season or single year
annual plants
annually
adverb
-ē
annual
2 of 2 noun1
: a publication appearing yearly
2
: an annual plant
Etymology
Adjective
Middle English annual "for a year," from early French annuel and Latin annualis (both, same meaning), derived from Latin annus "year"
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