Chinese calendar

American  

[chahy-neez kal-uhn-der, -nees] / tʃaɪˈniz ˈkæl ən dər, -ˈnis /

noun

1. the traditional calendar of China, in which the year consists of 12 lunar months with an intercalary month added seven times every 19 years to reconcile the lunar year of 354 days with the solar year of 365 days, time being reckoned in 60-year cycles with the first cycle dating from 2637 b.c.

---

Etymology

Origin of Chinese calendar

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

Xu said authorities expect more than 2 billion trips to be made during the weeklong festival season, the most important time for visiting family and friends in the traditional Chinese calendar.

From Washington Times • Jan. 6, 2023

According to the International Canoe Federation, the first known dragon boat races were held in China during the fifth lunar month of the Chinese calendar more than 2,000 years ago.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 14, 2022

Before becoming overly confident that they’ll easily beat Cincinnati on Sunday, the Rams should remember that this is the Year of the Tiger, according to the Chinese calendar.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2022

It is the most important day in the Chinese calendar - more than one billion people will feast with relatives, watch parades and pray for good fortune in the year ahead.

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2022

I thought it was a trick question; I was seven according to the American formula and eight by the Chinese calendar.

From "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan