When we describe something as biannual, we can mean either that it occurs twice a year or that it occurs once every two years. ... Some people prefer to use semiannual to refer to something that occurs twice a year, reserving biannual for things that occur once every two years.

Is there a word for every 2 years?

Biannual can mean two things: occurring once every two years or occurring twice per year. Biannual is a synonym of biyearly, which can also be used to mean every two years or twice per year. (Biyearly can also mean “lasting for two years,” but this meaning is rarely used.)

Does biannual mean every six months?

Using Semiannual in a Sentence

When to use semiannual: Semiannual has the same meaning as biannual, occurring every six months, or in other words happening twice each year.