leap year

noun

1
: a year in the Gregorian calendar containing 366 days with February 29 as the extra day
2
: an intercalary year in any calendar

Examples of leap 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 holiday always occurs on the fourth Thursday of November, but the dates can differ based on leap years. Alex Perry, The Enquirer, 18 Oct. 2024 Since 2024 is a leap year, Cancer season will begin on 20th June and end on 22nd July. Lisa Stardust, refinery29.com, 20 June 2024 The simplest reason why is that 2024 is a leap year. Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 19 June 2024 The Great Wolf Lodge leap year deal is offered on one day only: Leap Day, Feb. 29, 2024. Michael Salerno, The Arizona Republic, 16 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for leap year 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of leap year was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near leap year

Cite this Entry

“Leap year.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leap%20year. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

leap year

noun
: a year in the Gregorian calendar containing 366 days with February 29 as the extra day

More from Merriam-Webster on leap year

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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