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.
Since leap year happens every four years, our last leap days were in 2020 and 2016, and the next leap year will happen in 2028. Emily Deletter, USA TODAY, 29 Feb. 2024 The leap year in 2028 will add an extra day to the year and push Christmas that year to Monday. Mariyam Muhammad, The Enquirer, 20 Nov. 2024 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 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 22 Dec. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!