gap year

American  

[gap yeer] / ˈgæp ˌyɪər /

noun

1. a period of time, usually an academic or calendar year, in which a student takes a break from school to travel, work, or volunteer, typically after ending high school and before starting college.

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gap year British  

noun

1. a year's break taken by a student between leaving school and starting further education

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Etymology

Origin of gap year

First recorded in 1975–80; gap ( def. ) + year ( def. )

Example Sentences

Before Reed Hastings revolutionized the global entertainment business, he sold Rainbow vacuum cleaners door-to-door during his gap year between high school and Bowdoin College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

While Mia always knew she would take a gap year, Gwen was not so sure.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

The UK will launch a military "gap year" scheme, as part of efforts to boost recruitment and reconnect young people with defence, the government said Saturday.

From Barron's • Dec. 27, 2025

The ADF gap year programme has been in operation for more than a decade, with applicants offered the chance "get a feel for military life while enjoying unique experiences you can't find anywhere else".

From BBC • Dec. 26, 2025

“I’m going to take a gap year and go to Europe.”

From "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah