quadrennium

American  

[kwo-dren-ee-uhm] / kwɒˈdrɛn i əm /

noun

plural

quadrenniums, quadrennia

1. a period of four years.

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quadrennium British  

/ kwɒˈdrɛnɪəm /

noun

1. a period of four years

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Etymology

Origin of quadrennium

1815–25; < New Latin, alteration of Latin quadriennium, equivalent to quadri- quadri- + -enn-, combining form of annus year ( annual ) + -ium -ium

Example Sentences

The world championships held immediately after the Olympics are typically a lower-profile competition because they are the first in each new quadrennium and don’t include a team competition.

From Washington Post

The veteran competing at her third Games climbed onto the podium next to a 31-year-old who until this quadrennium had played only indoor volleyball.

From Washington Post

Unwilling to abandon the sport she still speaks about with adoration, she hung on for another quadrennium, well into her 20s.

From Washington Post

And while “wait till next year” can be a consolation in many sports, “wait till next quadrennium” seems less palatable.

From New York Times

"The International Ice Hockey Federation wants NHL players in the Games. They want it to be the best tournament…. But we can't wait until the last year of the quadrennium to make that decision."

From Los Angeles Times