annus horribilis

noun

an·​nus hor·​ri·​bi·​lis ˈa-nəs-hȯr-ˈi-bə-ləs How to pronounce annus horribilis (audio)
ˈä-
plural anni horribiles ˈa-ˌnī-hȯr-ˈi-bə-ˌlēz How to pronounce annus horribilis (audio)
ˈä-
: a disastrous or unfortunate year

Examples of annus horribilis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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In January 2013 — the family’s annus horribilis — Vittorio Missoni died in a plane crash off the Venezuelan coast. Luisa Zargani, WWD, 2 Jan. 2025 The year 2024 has proved something of an annus horribilis for the Windsors, with both King Charles III and the Princess of Wales battling serious health problems—but the general mood among the royal family appears to be one of optimism when looking ahead to 2025. Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 18 Dec. 2024 But what about Hollywood’s worst year — its annus horribilis maximus? Thomas Doherty, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Dec. 2023 Photo: Jeff Chiu/Associated Press Bud Light’s partnership deal with UFC last month was a rare win for the beer brand this year, an annus horribilis dominated by a damaging consumer boycott over its collaboration with a transgender influencer. Katie Deighton, WSJ, 9 Nov. 2023 See all Example Sentences for annus horribilis 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, horrible year

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of annus horribilis was in 1867

Dictionary Entries Near annus horribilis

Cite this Entry

“Annus horribilis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/annus%20horribilis. Accessed 8 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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