annual
adjective
UK/ˈæn.ju.əl/US/ˈæn.ju.əl/
Occurring once every year; yearly.
Example Sentences
The company holds its annual general meeting every May.
She received an annual bonus for her excellent performance.
The annual rainfall in the region is quite high.
They organize an annual festival to celebrate the town's heritage.
The library publishes an annual report detailing its activities and finances.
He attends an annual conference on renewable energy.
The garden blooms with annual flowers every spring.
An annual subscription grants you access to all premium features.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
noun (countable)
UK/ˈæn.ju.əl/US/ˈæn.ju.əl/
A yearly event or publication, typically occurring once a year.
Example Sentences
The annual was published last month, featuring articles on various topics.
They attended the annual gala to celebrate the organization's achievements.
Each annual provides a comprehensive overview of the company's financial performance.
The town's annual parade attracts thousands of visitors every year.
She contributed an article to the university's annual.
The annual brings together alumni from all graduating classes.
He reviewed the annual to understand the growth of the business.
The annual report highlighted significant improvements in sustainability practices.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Happening or produced each year, or lasting for one year.“Annual” describes events, publications, or cycles that take place once every year. This can apply to things like annual meetings, where participants gather every 12 months to discuss progress or plan for the future. Similarly, an annual plant completes its life cycle within a single year—germinating, flowering, and dying before the year ends. In everyday conversation, you might mention an annual tradition, such as a family reunion, festival, or conference that people look forward to each year. Organizations often release annual reports summarizing their financial performance or strategic direction, focusing on what was accomplished since the last yearly update. Marketers may highlight an annual sale or promotion that happens only once per year to create anticipation. By noting “annual,” you emphasize the recurrence of an event or a cycle that’s expected once every 12 months, signaling periodic significance. It can also hint at planning or scheduling, since annual activities often require consistent attention—like renewing a membership or hosting a themed celebration. Whether discussing an annual plant or an annual festival, using “annual” underscores the regular, time-bound nature of the subject.
Alternatives
If you need alternatives to “annual,” options like “yearly,” “once a year,” or “every year” convey the same idea in more direct or casual language. For instance, “yearly checkup” or “yearly salary review” are everyday phrases that parallel “annual checkup” and “annual salary review.” “Recurring annually” may suit more formal contexts where you want to stress repetition and structure. In botanical or horticultural texts, you might see phrases like “annual plant” or “annual species,” distinguishing them from “perennials,” which live for multiple years, or “biennials,” which span two years. Meanwhile, “year-end” references the close of a calendar or fiscal year—often used with summaries or celebrations, like “year-end party.” Each variant zeroes in on periodicity, clarifying that the occurrence is tied to a 12-month cycle.
Writing
When using “annual” in writing—be it a corporate document, academic paper, or personal blog—specify the event’s timeframe and purpose to give readers context. For instance, “The annual shareholders’ meeting is scheduled for March 15,” clarifies both the yearly recurrence and the specific date. If you’re referencing a scientific or botanical subject, define what type of annual entity you mean: “Zinnias are annual flowers that bloom vividly through late summer but die off before winter.” In a business or organizational setting, referencing “annual” can emphasize long-term planning and accountability. An annual report or annual budget often details achievements, expenditures, and projections, showing how each year stands relative to previous cycles. By explicitly marking something as “annual,” you cue your audience to look for recurring themes, consistent comparisons, or tradition-based details. Including references to last year’s outcomes or next year’s forecasts can underscore the cyclical nature of an annual undertaking.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “annual” often comes up around festivities and routines. You might say, “Our annual family barbecue is in July,” or “I can’t wait for the annual film festival this fall.” These events carry a sense of anticipation, since they only roll around once every 12 months. Friends might talk about “annual getaways” or “annual holiday traditions,” reflecting the joy of repeating fun activities. Social media posts may highlight an annual volunteer drive or a recurring conference that draws a loyal crowd each year. In a lighthearted sense, you could also joke about something minor, like “my annual closet clean-out,” to poke fun at how seldom you tackle certain chores. Using “annual” casually ties a feeling of regularity or tradition to your topics.
Etymology
The word “annual” comes from the Latin “annus,” meaning “year.” Traces of this root appear in related words like “anniversary,” “annuity,” or “per annum,” each emphasizing yearly cycles or occurrences. Historically, Latin speakers used “annus” for calendars and agricultural calendars, closely tying it to the idea of consistent, seasonal cycles. As English evolved, “annual” stayed aligned with the concept of the yearly timeline, appearing in fields from botany to accounting. In medieval times, church calendars often listed annual festivals or saint’s days, reinforcing the repetition of events every year. Over centuries, the term “annual” expanded into broader domains—ranging from organizational timetables to personal milestones—yet continued to anchor itself in that original notion of a 12-month cycle. Its lasting presence underscores how fundamental yearly rhythms and traditions are to human culture and planning.
