five-year
UK: ˈfaɪv jɪə | US: ˈfaɪv jɪr
adj. lasting or occurring over a period of five years
The term "five-year" is a straightforward compound adjective formed by combining the cardinal number "five" (from Old English fīf, derived from Proto-Germanic fimf) and "year" (from Old English ġēar, Proto-Germanic jērą). The hyphenated form emphasizes its role as a single grammatical unit modifying a noun (e.g., "five-year plan"). This structure follows a common English pattern for time-span descriptors (e.g., "two-day trip," "ten-minute break").
The government announced a new five-year economic strategy.
She completed a five-year apprenticeship to become a master carpenter.
The study tracked participants' health over a five-year period.
Their five-year warranty covers all manufacturing defects.
The tree takes about five years to bear fruit.