Semester

/səˈmɛstər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A half-year term in a school or college, typically lasting 15 to 18 weeks.

I can’t believe it’s the end of the semester already; time flies when you’re studying.

One of two divisions of an academic year.

During the fall semester, I enrolled in three challenging courses.

A specific period of academic instruction, usually focused on a specific set of subjects.

At the beginning of each semester, I review my goals and plan my study schedule.

The duration of an academic term in which courses are taught and evaluated.

Our school operates on a semester system, with grades released at the end of each semester.

From the Latin 'semestre', from 'sex' (six) and 'mensis' (month).

spring semester

The semester that typically begins in January and ends in May.

fall semester

The semester that typically begins in August or September and ends in December.

semester system

An academic system divided into two parts, usually used in universities.

quarter

A division of the academic year, usually lasting about 10 to 12 weeks.

trimester

A period of three months, often used as an academic division.

Sem

I'm almost done with my last sem!

Midterms

I have so many midterms this semester, it's crazy!