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
sə-ˈme-strəl How to pronounce semester (audio)
adjective
or semestrial
sə-ˈme-strē-əl How to pronounce semester (audio)

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.
The college said similar appointments for visiting leaders have ranged from a week or semester to as long as a year. — Nora O’Neill 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2026 Students spend the first three semesters completing online coursework before transitioning into in-person laboratory instruction and clinical training. — Kelly Werthmann, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026 The garage is expected to be finished for spring semester 2028. — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026 University President Michael Kotlikoff said its disciplinary process resulted in two expulsions and two suspensions of at least two semesters. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026 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

Phrases Containing semester

Rhymes for semester

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Browse Nearby Words

Semeostoma
semester
semester hour
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Cite this Entry

“Semester.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semester. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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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
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