annual

[an-yoo-uhl]

adjective

1. of, for, or pertaining to a year; yearly.

   annual salary.

2. occurring or returning once a year.

   an annual celebration.

3. Botany.,  living only one growing season, as beans or corn.

4. performed or executed during a year.

   the annual course of the sun.

5. Entomology.,  living or lasting but one season or year, as certain insects or colonies of insects.

noun

1. Botany.,  a plant living only one year or season.

2. a book, report, etc., published annually.

annual

/ ˈænjʊəl /

adjective

1. occurring, done, etc, once a year or every year; yearly

   an annual income

2. lasting for a year

   an annual subscription

noun

1. a plant that completes its life cycle in less than one year Compare perennial biennial

2. a book, magazine, etc, published once every year

annual

1. Completing a life cycle in one growing season.

1. An annual plant. Annuals germinate, blossom, produce seed, and die in one growing season. They are common in environments with short growing seasons. Most desert plants are annuals, germinating and flowering after rainfall. Many common weeds, wild flowers, garden flowers, and vegetables are annuals. Examples of annuals include tomatoes, corn, wheat, sunflowers, petunias, and zinnias.

2. Compare biennial perennial

Other Word Forms

• annually adverb
• interannual adjective
• interannually adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of annual¹

1350–1400; < Late Latin annuālis, equivalent to Latin annu ( us ) yearly (derivative of annus circuit of the sun, year) + -ālis -al ¹; replacing Middle English annuel < Anglo-French < Latin

Word History and Origins

Origin of annual¹

C14: from Late Latin annuālis, from Latin annuus yearly, from annus year

Example Sentences

Once known as the Festival of Festivals, the annual showcase of new work from around the globe remains a vital stop on the awards-season calendar.

From Los Angeles Times

One Venice woman told Los Angeles Magazine that she was only able to utilize the Venice clubhouse three times after paying for an annual membership up front on Aug. 29.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet his Grand Slam performances mean he trails only Alcaraz and Sinner in the annual ATP Tour race - despite playing 11 tournaments this season.

From BBC

The party's annual conference is an increasingly professional affair and Reform's sustained lead in the opinion polls has clearly been noted by public affairs professionals.

From BBC

The annual Large Force Test Event typically starts at 8 a.m. and ends around 7 p.m. but can run later, though typically not past 10 p.m., according to a Naval Base spokesperson.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• yearlong