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.
They were joined by nine players from the Aztecs’ 22-man signing class who graduated early from high school in order to be here for the spring semester (and spring practice). Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026 Throughout the semester, Adams delighted in telling political stories while keeping us guessing about his own pedigree. Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 26 Jan. 2026 Some freshmen this semester will likely say Maduro’s unusual arrest violates international law. Ana L. Ros, The Conversation, 26 Jan. 2026 Shrone's parents hoped enrolling their daughter in a new school would give her a fresh start and provide a better experience for her final semester in the MPS special education program. April Quevedo, jsonline.com, 23 Jan. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Semester.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semester. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

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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