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

Sartorius shares rose 5.7% after the company set new midterm targets for growth and higher profitability.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

There’s a significant leap in the poll’s expectations for the Democrats’ performance in the midterm elections.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 17, 2026

Republicans held a retreat at Trump’s Doral resort in Florida earlier this week to figure out their policy agenda for the rest of the year and sharpen their message ahead of the midterm elections.

From Slate • Mar. 14, 2026

The winner will serve the last few months of Greene's term, and must then campaign again to win the scheduled midterm election in November.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

It's a lot of classes to miss, not to mention the midterm exams.

From "Things Not Seen" by Andrew Clements