Leap year Meaning and Definition
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