Biennial Meaning
/baɪˈɛn.i.əl/Definition, CEFR level C2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjHappening every two years.
adjLasting for two years.
Sentence Examples
Parsnip is a biennial species, similar to carrots.
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives are elected in biennial elections.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
The garden club holds a ____ plant show every two years.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
A ____ event happens once every two years, like some art festivals.
Word Origin & History
Borrowed from Latin bienni(um) (“two-year period”) [from bis, bi- (“twice”) + annus (“year”)] + -al (suffix forming adjectives). By surface analysis, bi- + -ennial.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"This is a marked difference from the task force’s previous guidance, which was to start biennial mammograms by age 50."
— 2024 May 8, Katia Hetter, “Mammograms are now recommended starting at age 40. Should you get one?”, in CNN:
"The famous Biennial was won by Earl of Dartrey, a light, peacocky horse, who was, perhaps, better than he looked."
— 1891, Sir George Chetwynd, Racing Reminiscences and Experiences of the Turf, page 122:
Explore More C2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The garden club holds a ____ plant show every two years.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
A ____ event happens once every two years, like some art festivals.