annus horribilis

noun

an·​nus hor·​ri·​bi·​lis ˈa-nəs-hȯr-ˈi-bə-ləs How to pronounce annus horribilis (audio)
ˈä-
plural anni horribiles ˈa-ˌnī-hȯr-ˈi-bə-ˌlēz How to pronounce annus horribilis (audio)
ˈä-
: a disastrous or unfortunate year

Examples of annus horribilis 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.
But what about Hollywood’s worst year — its annus horribilis maximus? Thomas Doherty, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Dec. 2023 Photo: Jeff Chiu/Associated Press Bud Light’s partnership deal with UFC last month was a rare win for the beer brand this year, an annus horribilis dominated by a damaging consumer boycott over its collaboration with a transgender influencer. Katie Deighton, WSJ, 9 Nov. 2023 This year has proved to be another annus horribilis for Vice, with Dubuc stepping down as CEO in February and Jesse Angelo, Vice’s global president of news and entertainment, exiting in March. Abid Rahman, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 May 2023 But the year was as much an awakening as an annus horribilis: Researchers and citizens alike, in the United States and beyond, chose to speak out at rallies, on social media and even in the political arena — unprecedented numbers of scientists are considering a run for office. Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 28 Dec. 2017 See all Example Sentences for annus horribilis 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, horrible year

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of annus horribilis was in 1867

Dictionary Entries Near annus horribilis

Cite this Entry

“Annus horribilis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/annus%20horribilis. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!