almanac

[ awl-muh-nak ]

noun

1. an annual publication containing a calendar for the coming year, the times of such events and phenomena as anniversaries, sunrises and sunsets, phases of the moon, tides, etc., and other statistical information and related topics.
2. a publication containing astronomical or meteorological information, usually including future positions of celestial objects, star magnitudes, and culmination dates of constellations.
3. an annual reference book of useful and interesting facts relating to countries of the world, sports, entertainment, etc.

almanac

/ ˈɔːlməˌnæk /

noun

1. a yearly calendar giving statistical information on events and phenomena, such as the phases of the moon, times of sunrise and sunset, tides, anniversaries, etc Also (archaic)almanack

Word History and Origins

Origin of almanac¹

1350–1400; Middle English almenak < Medieval Latin almanach < Spanish Arabic al the + manākh calendar < ?

Word History and Origins

Origin of almanac¹

C14: from Medieval Latin almanachus, perhaps from Late Greek almenikhiaka

Example Sentences

Sporadic dialogue, like a wedding speech and a game show segment, is intended to represent an almanac of data, submitted by paying members of the public, that creates “the definition” of humanity.

From New York Times

The catalogs are listed in alphabetical order and none are produced by the venerable almanac, which was founded in 1792.

From Washington Times

Do the almanacs perform better than weather companies and agencies that provide nationwide forecasts that are built on the latest atmospheric science and supercomputer models?

From Scientific American

It’s a lot easier to type “when is the next full moon” into Google than to whip out a dusty almanac or follow Instagram influencers that make learning about your natal chart fun.

From Los Angeles Times

Astrology endured only in the publication of monthly or annual almanacs.

From National Geographic

Related Words

• calendar
• journal
• yearbook