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.
There’s an almost campus-like quality to Miller’s wardrobe choice, a cozy chic look that could make a person nostalgic for fall semesters back in college. — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2026 On September 18, only a few weeks into the semester, Cornell’s student newspaper broke the news that the alleged victim, Jane Doe, had filed a civil lawsuit against the university days earlier. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 14 Oct. 2026 Depending on the semester, Chi Phi had anywhere from fifty to eighty members. — Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2026 In one class, students study more than 70 mariachi songs over a semester, discussing their lyrics and style and what makes each unique, Blanco said. — Jessica Hill, Los Angeles Times, 13 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 20 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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