adjective
biannual
by-AN-yoo-uhl
Biannual (adjective) means happening twice a year. Example: “The society holds a biannual meeting, once in spring and once in autumn.”
adjective
1
Happening twice a year.
"The society holds a biannual meeting, once in spring and once in autumn."
"Staff receive a biannual performance review in June and December."
2
Happening once every two years.
"The biannual festival returns in 2028 after a two-year gap."
How to use biannual
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTwice a year — though some people use it to mean every two years, which is why it causes confusion.
When to use it
Because the word carries two opposite-sounding meanings, careful writers avoid it and say 'twice a year' or 'every two years' instead.
Memory tip
If precision matters, never write biannual. Write 'twice a year' or 'every two years' so no reader has to guess.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
biannual report
biannual review
biannual conference
biannual inspection
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Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The society holds a _____ meeting, once in spring and once in autumn.
Etymology
From the Latin prefix bi- ('two') and annus ('year'), giving annual.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for biannual
See all rhymes for biannual →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between biannual and biennial?
Biennial reliably means once every two years, and it is the safer word for that meaning. Biannual is ambiguous: dictionaries record it as both twice a year and every two years, so readers cannot be sure which you intend. If you mean every two years, write biennial.
Does biannual mean twice a year or every two years?
Most often it means twice a year, and that is the sense listed first in most dictionaries. The every-two-years sense is also in genuine use, however, so the word alone does not settle the question. Always check the surrounding context or ask.
Is semi-annual the same as biannual?
Semi-annual is unambiguous and means twice a year, every six months. It is the better choice when you want that meaning understood without doubt.
What is the meaning of biannual?
"biannual" (adjective) means happening twice a year.
