Annual/ˈænjuəl/ Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/3Frequency Clue Use 'annual' to stress the regularity of an event that occurs once each year. The annual fundraiser is our main source of donations. Pro Tip 2/3Planned Events 'Annual' is often used for scheduled events with some level of importance or tradition. The annual shareholders' meeting is in June. Pro Tip 3/3Expectation Setting 'Annual' can imply expectation of continuation in subsequent years. We enjoyed the annual picnic, looking forward to the next.