midterm

American  

[mid-turm] / ˈmɪdˌtɜrm /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of midterm

First recorded in 1865–70; mid- + term

Example Sentences

We know what to expect in the midterms.

From Salon

They’ll have to be reinstated to vote in the midterms later this year.

From Salon

The hirsute libertarian, using leverage from his midterm elections triumph in October, just massaged labor reform legislation through Congress, delivering one of the Big Three structural reforms on markets’ wish list.

From Barron's

More ballots have been cast in Texas through the first seven days of early voting for the 2026 midterms than any recent midterm or presidential election year, driven by high turnout in the Democratic primary.

From Salon

The Sylmar resident stayed quiet when I asked if she thought Latinos would stay with the GOP for the midterms and beyond.

From Los Angeles Times