an annual publication including weather forecasts and other miscellaneous information arranged according to the calendar of a given year
"We consulted the old almanac to check the historical weather patterns and agricultural tips for every month of the coming year."
an annual publication containing tabular information in a particular field or fields arranged according to the calendar of a given year
"The farmer consulted his pocket almanac every morning to check the planting dates and lunar phases for that month."
A book or table listing nautical, astronomical, astrological or other events for the year; sometimes, but not essentially, containing historical and statistical information.
"The sailor consulted the almanac to determine the optimal moon phases for his annual voyage across the ocean."
In plain English: An almanac is a yearly book that lists important dates, weather patterns, and other useful facts for planning ahead.
"She kept an old almanac on her desk to check the moon phases for gardening."
Usage: An almanac is an annual reference publication that lists practical information such as weather forecasts, tide tables, and celestial positions. While it may include some historical data, its primary purpose remains providing current astronomical or nautical facts for the year ahead.
The word comes from the Arabic al-munāḵ, which means "climate." It traveled through Andalusian Arabic and Medieval Latin to Old French before entering Middle English with the meaning of an almanac or calendar.