gap year

noun

: a one-year hiatus from academic studies to allow for nonacademic activities

Examples of gap 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.
In my work with leaders at this inflection point, the adult gap year moves through four core shifts. Suzanne Roske, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026 After graduating from Marlborough College in 2000 at age 18, Kate embarked on a busy gap year, which included a study abroad stint at the British Institute in Florence. Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026 This was a gap year for the Pacers after Tyrese Haliburton tore his Achilles in the finals finale. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 10 May 2026 This was supposed to be a gap year in Boston. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gap year

Word History

First Known Use

1978, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gap year was in 1978

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Cite this Entry

“Gap year.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gap%20year. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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