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

But we may have finality before the midterms.

From Salon

Look ahead to November and the midterm elections.

From Salon

With midterm elections coming in November, pocketbook subjects like the cost of groceries and utilities appear poised to grab a bigger share of voters’ attention — and ire.

From MarketWatch

Potential presidential candidates on both sides of the political aisle are expected to assess their chances over the next year, before primary season officially kicks off, after the midterm elections in November.

From Los Angeles Times

But the 2026 election only matters if people vote, which historically is not something a great number of people do in midterms.

From Los Angeles Times