Leap year Meaning and Definition

Leap year

Leap year

Pronunciation

/ˈliːp ˈjɪər/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A year that has 366 days, with an extra day added to the calendar in an effort to keep the calendar aligned with the Earth’s orbit around the Sun.

Examples

  • The next leap year will be in 2024.
  • Leap years are necessary to keep the calendar in synchronization with the Earth’s orbit.
  • The extra day in a leap year is called a leap day.
  • Some leap years will have a February 29th.
  • Leap years are used in many cultures to mark important events and anniversaries.
  • Due to the extra day, leap years have exactly 366 days.

Etymology

The term “leap year” originates from the idea that the extra day in the calendar “leaps” over the normal 365-day interval between years.

Usage Notes

When referring to a leap year, it is common to use the phrase “leap year” rather than “February 29th” to provide more context.

Cultural References

Leap years have appeared in numerous films, books, and TV shows, often symbolizing new beginnings or significant events.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Leap year, leap day

Related Words or Phrases

Calendar, orbit, synchronization

Collocations

Leap year and calendar, leap year and synchronization

Frequency of Use

Leap year is a relatively rare term, with a frequency of use that corresponds to its impact on the calendar.

Common Misspellings

leapyer, leapyear, leapyeer

Related Words