midterm

noun

mid·​term ˈmid-ˌtərm (usual for sense 1b) 

-ˈtərm

1

a

: the middle of an academic term

b

: an examination at midterm

2

: the approximate middle of a term of office

Examples of midterm in a Sentence

The students will be busy taking midterms next week.

He dropped the course before midterm.

assessing the President's performance at midterm

Recent Examples on the Web

Progressive groups have alleged that points to a coordinated effort to end the shutdown while avoiding consequences from angry Democratic voters in next year's midterm elections. —Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025

With the 2026 midterms fast approaching, both Democrats and Republicans will be looking for lessons that can be learned from this cycle as both parties vie for power in Congress. —Halle Troadec, ABC News, 10 Nov. 2025

Democrats’ midterm candidates practically climbed over each other to denounce the deal — even some who have good relationships with Schumer. —Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 10 Nov. 2025

The last midterm cycle in 2022 was disappointing for the Republicans. —Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for midterm

• affirm
• bookworm
• confirm
• cutworm
• earthworm
• infirm
• tapeworm
• wireworm
• angiosperm
• echinoderm
• berm
• ferm