leap day

noun

1. February 29: the extra day added to the Gregorian calendar in leap year.

Word History and Origins

Origin of leap day¹

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

The quarter also included the Feb. 29 “leap day,” which added an extra day of business to the first quarter compared to a year earlier.

From Seattle Times

A couple from east London got engaged on top of London's O2 arena, taking part in a leap day custom where a woman proposes to her partner.

From BBC

To sync the natural world to our calendars, we add a leap day every four years, on Feb. 29 — today.

From New York Times

Orange County loves love and wants couples who are looking to take the matrimonial leap to stop by the courthouse Thursday — leap day, that special date that only arrives once every four years.

From Los Angeles Times

“We‘ve made a calendar that comes close,” Lowe says, “but to make it work you have to do these leap day tricks that have some quirky rules.”

From National Geographic