year

noun

ˈyir 

1

a

: the period of about 365¹/₄ solar days required for one revolution of the earth around the sun

b

: the time required for the apparent sun to return to an arbitrary fixed or moving reference point in the sky

c

: the time in which a planet completes a revolution about the sun

two Mercury years

2

a

: a cycle in the Gregorian calendar of 365 or 366 days divided into 12 months beginning with January and ending with December

b

: a period of time equal to one year of the Gregorian calendar but beginning at a different time

3

: a calendar year specified usually by a number

died in the year 1900

4

years plural : a time or era having a special significance

their glory years

5

a

: 12 months that constitute a measure of age or duration

her 21st year

The twins are two years old.

—often used in combination

two-year-old twins

a six-year-old dog

The winner is a 16-year-old from Kentucky.

b

years plural : age

wise beyond her years

also : the final stage of the normal lifespan

6

: a period of time (such as the usually 9-month period in which a school is in session) other than a calendar year

Examples of year in a Sentence

I haven't seen her in a year.

He quit smoking six years ago.

The job pays $45,000 a year.

She renews her lease every year.

We see them once or twice a year.

It feels like we've been standing in line for a year.

That team hasn't won in years.

It's been years since I've been on an airplane.

The work should be done by the end of the year.

She was born in the year 1967.

Recent Examples on the Web

Given the pace of change in AI, some have argued that agreeing to a four-year term — instead of the typical three — would be a mistake. —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 5 June 2026

Over the years, they’ve been spotted making small talk at award shows, going to the same concerts, and hanging out at Paul McCartney’s house. —Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 5 June 2026

The House's effort to circumvent leadership on support for Ukraine comes as bipartisan legislation in the Senate to impose new economic sanctions on Russia has languished for more than a year, with senators waiting for a green light from the White House. —Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 5 June 2026

Following a resurgence during the pandemic, participation numbers hit record heights last year. —Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 5 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English yere, from Old English gēar; akin to Old High German jār year, Greek hōros year, hōra season, hour

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing year

• academic year
• (all) round the year
• all year round
• calendar year
• common year
• dollar-a-year
• financial year
• first-year
• fiscal year
• gap year
• great year
• in the year of our Lord
• leap year
• light-year
• man-year
• mast year
• multi-year
• off year
• of the year
• out-year
• sabbatical year
• see the new year in
• seventeen-year locust
• sidereal year
• since (the) year dot
• since (the) year one
• the understatement of the year
• time of year
• twice a year
• vintage year
• year-end
• year of grace
• year-round

Rhymes for year

• adhere
• ameer
• amir
• appear
• arrear
• astir
• austere
• career
• cashier
• cohere
• compere
• emir

Kids Definition

year

noun

ˈyi(ə)r 

1

: the period of about 365¼ days required for the earth to make one complete trip around the sun

2

: a period of 365 days or in leap year 366 days beginning January 1

3

: a period of time usually shorter than a calendar year

a school year of nine months