gap year

[gap yeer]

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.

gap year

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of gap year¹

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

Example Sentences

She speculated that she maybe should have taken a gap year.

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He has recently taken a gap year from his degree in textiles and fashion, a qualification which would come in very handy for design challenges on the show.

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And even if they use their gap year to make new music, Martin has announced it will be their final album.

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The UK's Cadet Forces - voluntary youth organisations - will expand by 30% by 2030, with a "gap year" offered to people interested in sampling military life.

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But now, Chen is ready for plan B. "If I can't get the visa eventually, I'll probably take a gap year. Then I'll wait to see if things will get better next year."

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