semiannual

[ sem-ee-an-yoo-uh l, sem-ahy- ]

/ ˌsɛm iˈæn yu əl, ˌsɛm aɪ- /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR semiannual ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

occurring, done, or published every half year or twice a year; semiyearly.

lasting for half a year: a semiannual plant.

RELATED WORDS

biannual, semiyearly

Nearby words

Origin of semiannual

First recorded in 1785–95; semi- + annual

Related formssem·i·an·nu·al·ly, adverb

Can be confusedbiannual biennial semiannual (see usage note at bi-¹)

Usage note

See bi-¹.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for semiannual

Now we are treated to the semiannual spectacle of watching Republicans pretend they care about the deficit.
Michael Tomasky on GOP Deficit Hypocrisy at Release of Obama’s Budget|Michael Tomasky|February 14, 2012|DAILY BEAST
But the day after Christmas he came to the office early to get his semiannual check and cash it.
Sonnie-Boy's People|James B. Connolly
He has had steady two-quarts-a-day men, and men who were subject only to semiannual debauches.
Smoking and Drinking|James Parton
"I was merely quoting from the auditor's semiannual report, of which that is a summary," he said, indicating the folded paper.
Empire Builders|Francis Lynde

It holds semiannual meetings in connection with the National Association, but is not a department of said Association.
History of Education|Levi Seeley
Uncle speaks of the Louvre exactly as if it were the semiannual siege at the dentist's.
Seeing France with Uncle John|Anne Warner

British Dictionary definitions for semiannual

semiannual

/ (ˌsɛmɪˈænjʊəl) /

adjective

occurring every half-year

lasting for half a year

Derived Formssemiannually, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012