lunar cycle

American  

[loo-ner sahy-kuhl] / ˈlu nər ˈsaɪ kəl /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of lunar cycle

First recorded in 1695–1705

Example Sentences

With the element of fire as an intensifier, the Fire Horse is the daredevil and thrill-seeker of the lunar cycle.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2026

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 • Aug. 19, 2024

While the symbolic new lunar cycle ended earlier this week with the full moon, Manhattan’s parade was scheduled for the weekend.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 25, 2024

The new moon will mark the beginning of the next 29.5-day lunar cycle.

From Scientific American • Aug. 30, 2023

The lunar cycle contained 6939 days 18 hours, whereas the exact time of 235 lunations, as we have already seen, is 235 � 29.530588 = 6939 days 16 hours 31 minutes.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 4 "Bulgaria" to "Calgary" by Various