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

Trump trade adviser Peter Navarro also warned Canada last month against interfering in the midterms. — Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026

As this year’s midterms approached, Hinojosa tried to persuade several colleagues to enter the race for governor. — Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2026

Historically, each president's detractors have seen midterms as an opportunity, while his supporters have often been complacent — or at least less motivated. — Ron Elving, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026

Florida isn’t the only state Obama has dabbled with in the midterm elections. — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 24 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for midterm

• affirm
• bookworm
• budworm
• confirm
• cutworm
• earthworm
• infirm
• ringworm
• tapeworm
• wireworm
• angiosperm
• echinoderm