semester

noun

se·​mes·​ter sə-ˈme-stər 

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 

adjective

or semestrial

sə-ˈme-strē-əl 

Examples of semester in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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

Pulling from each category keeps the routine sustainable all semester. — Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Oct. 2026

Francis said she was appalled upon learning the result of the appeal two days into the current semester. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

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

Phrases Containing semester

• semester hour

Rhymes for semester

• ancestor
• arrester
• digester
• investor
• protester
• requester
• sequester
• silvester
• trimester
• ester
• esther
• fester

Kids Definition

semester

noun

se·​mes·​ter sə-ˈmes-tər 

: either of two terms of about 18 weeks each that make up a school year