semester
English meaning: Semester
Definition
A semester is one of two periods into which a school or university year is divided. Each semester usually lasts a few months.
Example
“She passed all her exams in the first semester.”
Another example: “She is studying abroad in Spain for the autumn semester.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A noun for one of the divisions of an academic year, especially in universities. More common in American English and in higher education; British schools often use 'term'. Neutral, mildly formal register.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin 'semestris' meaning of six months, from 'sex' (six) and 'mensis' (month).
Related Words
- gpa
- internship
- elective
- freshmen
- courses
- tuition
- exam
- students
- abroad
- lasts
- enrollment
- undergraduate
Common Collocations
- spring semester
- fall semester
- next semester
- semester break
- first semester
- whole semester
Word Forms
semester (n, pl. semesters)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
CC-licensed · free to useVideo
Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B