semiannual

Semiannual means twice a year (or, technically, once every half a year).

The word semiyearly means the same thing as semiannual. The words biannual and biyearly can be synonyms of semiannual, but they can also mean once every two years (every other year).

Although semiannual is only used to mean twice a year—not every two years—it can still be confusing. The best (and maybe only) way to be perfectly clear is to just say “twice a year.”

It’s especially used to describe events, as in semiannual sale—a sale that happens twice a year.

Less commonly, semiannual can also mean lasting for half a year, as in To participate in the semiannual internship, you must be available for the full six months.

The adverb form of semiannual is semiannually.

Examples: The dentist recommends a checkup every six months, so I guess I have to make my semiannual appointment.

The first records of the word semiannual come from the late 1700s. The prefix semi- means “half” and is used similarly in the word semiweekly (meaning “twice a week”) and semimonthly (meaning “twice a month”). Annual means “happening every year” or “once a year.”

People look forward to semiannual sales because they only come around every six months. Such sales are often held at around the same time every year, such as in March and September. However, just because an event is held semiannually doesn’t mean that occurrences have to be exactly six months apart.

What are some other forms related to semiannual?

• semiannually (adverb)

What are some synonyms for semiannual?

• twice a year
• semiyearly
• biannual
• biyearly

What are some words that share a root or word element with semiannual? 

• annual
• semiweekly
• semimonthly

What are some words that often get used in discussing semiannual?

• sale
• event
• publication
• schedule
• regular
• release

Semiannual is especially associated with sales that happen twice a year. In general, to avoid confusion, it’s probably best to just say “twice a year.”

Imagine getting that phone call from the local mattress store owner inviting YOU to star in the commercial for the semiannual sale god what a rush

— Tig Notaro (@TigNotaro) July 11, 2018

The adult kickball tournament was fun & I think it should be a semiannual event lol

— JP ⚡️ (@not_quay) July 12, 2020

The new draft companies law allows companies to pay annual or interim dividend whether semiannual or quarterly under certain conditions, such as having sufficient cash or retained #earnings at a value no less than the planned #dividend.

— Argaam Plus (@ArgaamPlus) July 14, 2020

Is semiannual used correctly in the following sentence?

The magazine will transition from a semiannual release schedule to a quarterly one.