semiannual

[ sem-ee-an-yoo-uhl, sem-ahy- ]

adjective

1. Also . occurring, done, or published every half year or twice a year; biannual.
2. lasting for half a year:

   a semiannual plant.

semiannual

/ ˌsɛmɪˈænjʊəl /

adjective

1. occurring every half-year
2. lasting for half a year

Confusables Note

See bi- ¹.

Derived Forms

• ˌsemiˈannually, adverb

Other Words From

• semi·annu·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of semiannual¹

First recorded in 1785–95; semi- + annual

Example Sentences

Now we are treated to the semiannual spectacle of watching Republicans pretend they care about the deficit.

From The Daily Beast

"I was merely quoting from the auditor's semiannual report, of which that is a summary," he said, indicating the folded paper.

From Project Gutenberg

He has had steady two-quarts-a-day men, and men who were subject only to semiannual debauches.

From Project Gutenberg

It holds semiannual meetings in connection with the National Association, but is not a department of said Association.

From Project Gutenberg

But the day after Christmas he came to the office early to get his semiannual check and cash it.

From Project Gutenberg

No job about the farm was so much disliked by the farmer and his boys as the semiannual removal of the stove.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• biannual

More About Semiannual

What does semiannual mean?

Semiannual means twice a year (or, technically, once every half a year).

The word semiyearly means the same thing as semiannual. The words biannual and biyearly can be synonyms of semiannual, but they can also mean once every two years (every other year).

Although semiannual is only used to mean twice a year—not every two years—it can still be confusing. The best (and maybe only) way to be perfectly clear is to just say “twice a year.”

It’s especially used to describe events, as in semiannual sale—a sale that happens twice a year.

Less commonly, semiannual can also mean lasting for half a year, as in To participate in the semiannual internship, you must be available for the full six months.

The adverb form of semiannual is semiannually.

Examples: The dentist recommends a checkup every six months, so I guess I have to make my semiannual appointment.

Where does semiannual come from?

The first records of the word semiannual come from the late 1700s. The prefix semi- means “half” and is used similarly in the word semiweekly (meaning “twice a week”) and semimonthly (meaning “twice a month”). Annual means “happening every year” or “once a year.”

People look forward to semiannual sales because they only come around every six months. Such sales are often held at around the same time every year, such as in March and September. However, just because an event is held semiannually doesn’t mean that occurrences have to be exactly six months apart.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to semiannual?

• semiannually (adverb)

What are some synonyms for semiannual?

• twice a year
• semiyearly
• biannual
• biyearly

What are some words that share a root or word element with semiannual? 

 

• annual
• semiweekly
• semimonthly

What are some words that often get used in discussing semiannual?

• sale
• event
• publication
• schedule
• regular
• release

How is semiannual used in real life?

Semiannual is especially associated with sales that happen twice a year. In general, to avoid confusion, it’s probably best to just say “twice a year.”

Imagine getting that phone call from the local mattress store owner inviting YOU to star in the commercial for the semiannual sale god what a rush

— Tig Notaro (@TigNotaro) July 11, 2018

The adult kickball tournament was fun & I think it should be a semiannual event lol

— JP ⚡️ (@not_quay) July 12, 2020

The new draft companies law allows companies to pay annual or interim dividend whether semiannual or quarterly under certain conditions, such as having sufficient cash or retained #earnings at a value no less than the planned #dividend.

— Argaam Plus (@ArgaamPlus) July 14, 2020

 

 

Try using semiannual!

Is semiannual used correctly in the following sentence?

The magazine will transition from a semiannual release schedule to a quarterly one.