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

Heading into the midterm elections, AI now ranks as a key issue in races that will help decide control of both chambers of Congress. — Jeff Masonand Michael Shepard Bloomberg, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026

One theory focuses on political considerations — that extending the deportation reprieve could have made the administration appear weak on immigration to its conservative base, just ahead of next month’s consequential midterm election. — Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026

Having said that, unlike many too-long cold opens, this semi-morbid midterm skit work at the extra length – entirely because POTUS came to cook, base loathing and all. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 3 Oct. 2026

Held midway through each four-year presidential term, midterm elections give voters a chance to choose local representatives, weigh in on state issues, and determine which party controls Congress. — Time Staff, Time, 3 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