I. ˈan-yə(-wə)l, -yü-əl adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French annuel, from Late Latin annualis, blend of Latin annuus yearly (from annus year) and Latin annalis yearly (from annus year); probably akin to Gothic athnam (dative plural) years, Sanskrit atati he walks, goes
Date: 14th century
1. : covering the period of a year
annual rainfall
2. : occurring or happening every year or once a year : yearly
an annual reunion
3. : completing the life cycle in one growing season or single year
annual plants
• an·nu·al·ly adverb
II. noun
Date: 14th century
1. : an event that occurs yearly
2. : a publication appearing yearly
3. : something that lasts one year or season ; specifically : a plant that completes its life cycle in one growing season