a period of 365 or 366 days divided into 12 months beginning on January 1st and ending on December 31st

a very long period of time SYN ages It's years since I rode a bike. in/for years I haven't been there for years. It was the first time in years I'd seen her.

Year by year, things are getting worse. Because so much has been put into making such fine volumes, they have tended to increase in value year by year.

year on year meaning, definition, what is year on year: compared with the previous year: Learn more.

year-long meaning, definition, what is year-long: continuing for a year or all through the...: Learn more.

year after year/year in, year out meaning, definition, what is year after year/year in, year out: every year for many years: Learn more.

adjective [usually before noun] happening or continuing through the whole year a year-round supply of fresh fruit

adjective happening or appearing every year or once a year → annual Salary levels are reviewed on a yearly basis.

full-year earnings, profits, results etc are for a complete period of 12 months, rather than a shorter period of time.

someone who is in their first etc year at school or university. The department offers a study skills programme for all first years.