semester
Americannoun
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(in many educational institutions) a division constituting half of the regular academic year, lasting typically from 15 to 18 weeks.
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(in German universities) a session, lasting about six months and including periods of recess.
noun
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(in some universities) either of two divisions of the academic year, ranging from 15 to 18 weeks
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(in German universities) a session of six months
Usage
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.
Other Word Forms
- semestral adjective
- semestrial adjective
Etymology
Origin of semester
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 )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
With no prospects for a U.S. visa, Bior enrolled in a Duke study-abroad program in Germany for the fall 2025 semester.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026
Inara George looks back on it now as wistfully as someone remembering a love affair or a semester abroad.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026
The BBC has verified footage of students marching at the Sharif University of Technology in the capital Tehran at the start of a new semester on Saturday.
From BBC • Feb. 21, 2026
I auditioned and won a role, so I stayed at Emerson for the semester.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 10, 2026
Mr. Jay spent most of class talking about what to expect from the semester, including a final project involving ancient Rome or something.
From "Keep It Together, Keiko Carter" by Debbi Michiko Florence
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
