semester

[si-mes-ter]

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.

semester

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• semestral adjective
• semestrial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of semester¹

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 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of semester¹

C19: via German from Latin sēmestris half-yearly, from sex six + mensis a month

Example Sentences

Schools are asked to post earnings after graduation for each academic program and to refund tuition for students who drop out during the first semester.

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Robinson attended Utah State University in 2021, where he majored in engineering, but took leave after one semester.

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Records reviewed by BBC Verify suggest he attended Utah State University in Logan for a single semester in 2021, possibly studying engineering.

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After high school, Nuñez attended Manhattan’s Fashion Institute of Technology with the intention to become a fashion designer, but he dropped out after one semester.

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It’s common to apply for a class needed to graduate, end up on a wait list — and have to apply again next semester.

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When To Use

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.