semiannual

adjective

semi·​an·​nu·​al ˌse-mē-ˈan-yə(-wə)l 

ˌse-ˌmī-,

-mi-

: occurring every six months or twice a year

semiannually adverb

Examples of semiannual in a Sentence

my semiannual visit to my cousin

Recent Examples on the Web

While bonds pay interest on a semiannual basis, these step-down autocallable notes are likely to be called back in 12 to 15 months – and that's when investors pick up their returns, the firm noted. —Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 2 June 2025

The latest grades came out in the spring 2025 edition of Leapfrog’s semiannual Hospital Safety Grade report. —Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025

In Ivory Coast, farmers have been picking cocoa husks this month as part of the semiannual harvesting season. —Elian Peltier, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025

There was no consistency to assure Hollywood that moviegoing remains a way of life and not just a semiannual occurrence. —Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 31 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for semiannual

• interannual

Kids Definition

semiannual

adjective

semi·​an·​nu·​al ˌsem-ē-ˈan-yə(-wə)l 

ˌsem-ˌī-

: occurring every six months or twice a year

semiannually

-ē

adverb