new year

American  

noun

1. the year approaching or newly begun.

2. New Year's Day.

3. (initial capital letters) the first day or few days of a year in any of various calendars.

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New Year British  

noun

1. the first day or days of the year in various calendars, usually celebrated as a holiday

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Etymology

Origin of new year

Middle English word dating back to 1150–1200

Example Sentences

Sales at U.S. retailers bounced back in February after a brief weak spell, suggesting the economy is still expanding at a decent pace despite a turbulent start to the new year.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

Towards the end of March, Iranians celebrated Nowruz, the Persian new year festival that marks the spring equinox and is often a time when families get together.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

In the live, as the members sit around a table of food with a Christmas tree in the background, talk turns to how 2025 is ending and the new year is around the corner.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

Iranians were marking the new year spring festival of Nowruz on Friday, as well as the final day of Ramadan, with state media reporting Iran would observe the start of the Eid holiday on Saturday.

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

"Mother says she wanted the whole court to preview our new line of scents, just in time for the queen's presentation of toilette-box allotments for the new year."

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton