semester

[si-mes-ter]

noun

1. (in many educational institutions) a division constituting half of the regular academic year, lasting typically from 15 to 18 weeks.

2. (in German universities) a session, lasting about six months and including periods of recess.

semester

/ sɪˈmɛstə /

noun

1. (in some universities) either of two divisions of the academic year, ranging from 15 to 18 weeks

2. (in German universities) a session of six months

Other Word Forms

• semestral adjective
• semestrial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of semester¹

1820–30; < German < Latin sēmē ( n ) stris of six months duration < *sex-mēnstris, equivalent to sex six + mēns ( is ) month + -tris adj. suffix (perhaps representing an earlier *mens ( i ) -teros )

Word History and Origins

Origin of semester¹

C19: via German from Latin sēmestris half-yearly, from sex six + mensis a month

Example Sentences

It’s common to apply for a class needed to graduate, end up on a wait list — and have to apply again next semester.

From Los Angeles Times

Pali High will remain in the Sears building for the fall semester.

From Los Angeles Times

At the start of the spring semester in January at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, a dozen military veterans waited for their GI Bill student benefit checks to show up.

From Los Angeles Times

By comparison, it costs $22,105 a semester to attend the Culinary Institute of America’s outpost in St. Helena, Calif.

From Los Angeles Times

But after winning the College World Series as a sophomore at USC, he accepted a $37,500 bonus to leave school five semesters short of a degree to sign with the Angels.

From Los Angeles Times

When To Use

What does semester mean?

A semester is one half of an academic year.If an academic year is divided into semesters, it means it is divided into two semesters. (If the year is divided into thirds, each part is called a trimester.)Semesters are typically used in high schools and universities. In many universities, a semester lasts 15 to 18 weeks. In German universities, a semester can last up to six months.Example: I’m thinking about taking a break from school for a semester to work and save some money.