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.
The 28-year-old Loyola journalism graduate has been at the forefront of DIY reporting since his teens, beginning with interviews of fringe dark-web figures and protest movements during a gap year. Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026 Harry, a son of King Charles III, co-founded Sentebale with Lesotho's Prince Seesio after spending his gap year in the country in 2004. ABC News, 10 Apr. 2026 Wates was traveling in Southeast Asia during her gap year and had plans to attend Durham University, according to the outlet. Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026 The Celtics, too, were expected to have a gap year of sorts given Jayson Tatum’s career-threatening Achilles injury sustained in the second round against the Knicks last season. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gap year.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gap%20year. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.

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