Perennial

Pronunciation

• IPA: /pəˈɹɛniÉ™l/

Origin

1644, from Latin perennis ("lasting through the whole year"), from per- ("through") + annus ("year").

Full definition of perennial

Adjective

1. Lasting or remaining active throughout the year, or all the time.a perennial stream
2. (botany, of a plant) Having a life cycle of more than two years. Compare annual, biennial.
3. (figuratively) Continuing without cessation or intermission; perpetual; permanent; unceasing; never failing.
• 1790, Edmund Burke, The perennial existence of bodies corporate and their fortunes are things particularly suited to a man who has long views…
4. (figuratively) Enduring; lasting; timeless.His artwork has a perennial beauty.
5. (figuratively) Recurrent; appearing or recurring again and again.Change is a perennial theme in politics.

Derived terms

• perennially

Noun

1. A perennial plant; a plant that is active throughout the year or survives for more than two growing seasons. Compare annual, biennial.