gap year

noun

: a one-year hiatus from academic studies to allow for nonacademic activities

Examples of gap year in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Pacers, last season’s surprise East champions, must now take a gap year because of Tyrese Haliburton’s torn Achilles, their situation exacerbated by the departure of center Myles Turner to their rival, the Milwaukee Bucks. Jared Weiss, New York Times, 8 July 2025 For now, the Pacers will move forward without their franchise player into what will likely be a gap year between championship contention windows. Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025 After graduation, Umer is taking a gap year to study for the LSAT and apply to law schools. Meg Vandermark, Freep.com, 5 July 2025 The Celtics seem content on taking a gap year with star Jayson Tatum injured, and that should benefit the younger players on the team. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for gap year

Word History

First Known Use

1978, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gap year was in 1978

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gap year.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gap%20year. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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