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
Examples of semester in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Throughout the semester, students learn about the mechanics of elections and experience firsthand the critical role ordinary citizens play in upholding democracy.
—
Dr. Rachael V. Cobb, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
In order to qualify, recipients must meet with a counselor and declare their major in one of the VPA programs, plus complete at least one class in their major during their first semester.
—Samantha Gowen, Oc Register, 4 Aug. 2025
There’s still another month or more before the fall semester starts and college-friendly, modern, new-sounding bands start coming out in force, changing the whole vibe of venues like Infinity Music Hall in Hartford, College Street Music Hall in New Haven and FTC in Fairfield.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 3 Aug. 2025
After exposing the wicked Ms. Thornhill as the murderous Laurel Gates, the school closed down for the rest of the semester.
—PC Magazine, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for semester
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Dr. Rachael V. Cobb, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
In order to qualify, recipients must meet with a counselor and declare their major in one of the VPA programs, plus complete at least one class in their major during their first semester.
—Samantha Gowen, Oc Register, 4 Aug. 2025
There’s still another month or more before the fall semester starts and college-friendly, modern, new-sounding bands start coming out in force, changing the whole vibe of venues like Infinity Music Hall in Hartford, College Street Music Hall in New Haven and FTC in Fairfield.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 3 Aug. 2025
After exposing the wicked Ms. Thornhill as the murderous Laurel Gates, the school closed down for the rest of the semester.
—PC Magazine, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for semester
Cite this Entry
“Semester.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semester. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
semester
noun
se·mes·ter
sə-ˈmes-tər
: either of two terms of about 18 weeks each that make up a school year
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share