midterm

[mid-turm]

noun

1. the middle or halfway point of a term, as a school term or term of office.

2. Informal.,  Often midterms. an examination or series of examinations at the middle of a school term.

adjective

1. pertaining to or occurring on or about the middle of a term, as a school term or term of office.

   a midterm recess; midterm elections.

midterm

/ ˈmɪdˈtɜːm /

noun

1. 1. the middle of a term in a school, university, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      midterm exam

2. politics

   1. the middle of a term of office, esp of a presidential term, when congressional and local elections are held

   2. ( as modifier )

      midterm elections

3. 1. the middle of the gestation period

   2. ( as modifier ) See term

      midterm checkup

Word History and Origins

Origin of midterm¹

First recorded in 1865–70; mid- + term

Example Sentences

Social Security remains a lightning rod in American politics, with debates over solvency, benefits and generational fairness heating up ahead of the midterms.

From Salon

Lee believes the actions could come back to haunt the party in the midterm elections.

From Los Angeles Times

That would be a concession that could, in the end, boost their own electoral prospects and defuse an obvious line of Democratic attack in next year's midterm elections.

From BBC

So, while flipping Congress to the Democrats would revive the possibility of checks and balances, I’m leery of putting too many of my hopes into next year’s midterm elections.

From Salon

Going into next year’s midterms, they may have to face more angry constituents who are losing their health care amid a shrinking job market.

From Salon