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

We usually get 12 full Moons a year, but as this doesn't quite match up with the lunar cycle we get an additional one roughly every two and half years.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2026

Ramadan lasts one lunar cycle, measured from new moon to new moon.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2024

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

From Scientific American • Aug. 30, 2023

A regular part of the lunar cycle, it occurs when the moon falls between the Earth and the sun, obscuring it from view.

From Seattle Times • May 17, 2023

By means of the lunar cycle the new moons of the calendar were indicated before the reformation in 1582.

From Our Calendar by Packer, George Nichols