semester

American  

[si-mes-ter] / sɪˈmɛs tər /

noun

1. (in many educational institutions) a division constituting half of the regular academic year, lasting typically from 15 to 18 weeks.

2. (in German universities) a session, lasting about six months and including periods of recess.

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semester British  

/ sɪˈmɛstə /

noun

1. (in some universities) either of two divisions of the academic year, ranging from 15 to 18 weeks

2. (in German universities) a session of six months

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Usage

What does semester mean? A semester is one half of an academic year.If an academic year is divided into semesters, it means it is divided into two semesters. (If the year is divided into thirds, each part is called a trimester.)Semesters are typically used in high schools and universities. In many universities, a semester lasts 15 to 18 weeks. In German universities, a semester can last up to six months.Example: I’m thinking about taking a break from school for a semester to work and save some money.

Other Word Forms

• semestral adjective
• semestrial adjective

Etymology

Origin of semester

1820–30; < German < Latin sēmē ( n ) stris of six months duration < *sex-mēnstris, equivalent to sex six + mēns ( is ) month + -tris adj. suffix (perhaps representing an earlier *mens ( i ) -teros )

Example Sentences

In a recent email to faculty, Claybaugh said A’s fell to 53.4% in the fall semester from 60.2% in the prior academic year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

After finishing the fall semester of his sophomore year, Bior returned to Uganda for winter break.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

The BBC has verified footage of students marching at the Sharif University of Technology in the capital Tehran at the start of a new semester on Saturday.

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2026

It also highlighted the rising costs in the state, which could force students to pay at least three times more in tuition per semester if they attend the CSU over a community college.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2026

Robin had told him that I hadn’t bought my textbooks for the semester.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover