semester

noun

se·​mes·​ter sə-ˈme-stər How to pronounce semester (audio)
1
: either of the two usually 18-week periods of instruction into which an academic year is often divided
2
: a period of six months
semestral adjective
or semestrial

Examples of semester in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An Ohio State student spending the semester at Michigan? Matt Weyrich, Baltimore Sun, 14 Dec. 2024 That spring semester was one of all of my important firsts. Lauren Colella, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024 Winter break is often a well-deserved opportunity for high school students to relax and recharge after a tough first semester. Kristen Moon, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 Ryder, 18, is wrapping up his first semester at San Diego State University. Ana Calderone, People.com, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for semester 

Word History

Etymology

German, from Latin semestris half-yearly, from sex six + mensis month — more at six, moon

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of semester was in 1827

Dictionary Entries Near semester

Cite this Entry

“Semester.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semester. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

semester

noun
se·​mes·​ter sə-ˈmes-tər How to pronounce semester (audio)
: either of two terms of about 18 weeks each that make up a school year

More from Merriam-Webster on semester

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