gap year

noun

: a one-year hiatus from academic studies to allow for nonacademic activities

Examples of gap year in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Early in his tenure, to great national fanfare, the governor advertised a new program of community service to allow high school graduates to enjoy gap years. George Liebmann, Baltimore Sun, 13 June 2026 That reframing matters because most adult gap years are self-funded. Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2026 The gap between what employees want and what most companies provide is part of why so many people are funding their own gap years rather than waiting for an employer to offer one. Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2026 An adult gap year isn't defined by its duration. Suzanne Roske, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for gap year

Word History

First Known Use

1978, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gap year was in 1978

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Cite this Entry

“Gap year.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gap%20year. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

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