lunar cycle

[ loo-ner sahy-kuhl ]

noun

, Astronomy.

1. a cycle of 235 synodic months, very nearly equal to 19 years, after which the new moon occurs on the same day of the year as at the beginning of the cycle with perhaps a shift of one day, depending on the number of leap years in the cycle.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lunar cycle¹

First recorded in 1695–1705

Example Sentences

However this blue moon comes from an alternative, more traditional definition when the lunar cycle results in any season having four, not three full moons.

From BBC

As the lunar cycle is 29.5 days, eventually this gets out of sync with our calendar where you normally have one full moon a month.

From BBC

The lunar cycle is about to enter a period that will showcase some of its most spectacular viewing, with Aug. 19 kicking off four straight months of supermoons — the brightest and largest full moons of the years.

From Los Angeles Times

Native Americans constructed the earthworks, including eight long earthen walls, that correspond to lunar movements and align with points where the moon rises and sets over the 18.6-year lunar cycle.

From Seattle Times

Ramadan lasts one lunar cycle, measured from new moon to new moon.

From Los Angeles Times