1
a
: the period of about 3651/4 solar days required for one revolution of the earth around the sun
b
: the time required for the apparent sun to return to an arbitrary fixed or moving reference point in the sky
c
: the time in which a planet completes a revolution about the sun
two Mercury years
2
a
: a cycle in the Gregorian calendar of 365 or 366 days divided into 12 months beginning with January and ending with December
b
: a period of time equal to one year of the Gregorian calendar but beginning at a different time
3
: a calendar year specified usually by a number
died in the year 1900
4
years plural
: a time or era having a special significance
their glory years
5
a
: 12 months that constitute a measure of age or duration
her 21st year
The twins are two years old.
—often used in combinationtwo-year-old twins
a six-year-old dog
The winner is a 16-year-old from Kentucky.
b
6
: a period of time (such as the usually 9-month period in which a school is in session) other than a calendar year
Examples of year in a Sentence
I haven't seen her in a year.
He quit smoking six years ago.
The job pays $45,000 a year.
She renews her lease every year.
We see them once or twice a year.
It feels like we've been standing in line for a year.
That team hasn't won in years.
It's been years since I've been on an airplane.
The work should be done by the end of the year.
She was born in the year 1967.
Recent Examples on the Web
Anaheim Ducks nutritionist Jillian Chaney said nutritional options for athletes have evolved significantly in recent years.
—
Sam Jane, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2026
The group previously performed a jump at the same bowl game four years ago.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 3 Jan. 2026
The list includes a few graduate students or redshirt seniors who would have to win petitions from the NCAA to have another year of eligibility, such as Saili, Talley, defensive end Justus Boone and tailback AJ Green, who played two stints at Arkansas.
—Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 3 Jan. 2026
The Brackenridge community came together on Friday to mark three years since late police chief Justin McIntire was shot and killed in the line of duty.
—Ricky Sayer, CBS News, 3 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for year
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Sam Jane, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2026
The group previously performed a jump at the same bowl game four years ago.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 3 Jan. 2026
The list includes a few graduate students or redshirt seniors who would have to win petitions from the NCAA to have another year of eligibility, such as Saili, Talley, defensive end Justus Boone and tailback AJ Green, who played two stints at Arkansas.
—Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 3 Jan. 2026
The Brackenridge community came together on Friday to mark three years since late police chief Justin McIntire was shot and killed in the line of duty.
—Ricky Sayer, CBS News, 3 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for year
Cite this Entry
“Year.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/year. Accessed 3 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
year
noun1
: the period of about 365¼ days required for the earth to make one complete trip around the sun
2
: a period of 365 days or in leap year 366 days beginning January 1
3
: a period of time usually shorter than a calendar year
a school year of nine months
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