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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
The holiday always occurs on the fourth Thursday of November, but the dates can differ based on leap years.
—Alex Perry, The Enquirer, 18 Nov. 2024
But every four years, February is extended to 29 days during what is commonly referred to as a leap year.
—Danny Davis, Austin American-Statesman, 29 Feb. 2024
This is why 1700, 1800 and 1900 were not leap years, but 2000 was.
—Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 29 Feb. 2024
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
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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 8 Jan. 2025.
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
Nglish: Translation of leap year for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about leap year
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