What does midterm mean?
A midterm is an exam, election, or other event that takes place halfway through a larger period. In schools and universities, it usually refers to a major examination given during the middle of a semester or term. In politics, midterm elections are legislative elections held between presidential elections and may substantially alter the balance of power in a government. The adjective “midterm” can describe any event, assessment, or change occurring during the middle portion of a term or process. Although “midterm” is especially associated with North American English, similar uses appear in British English. The word combines “mid-” with “term,” reflecting its central meaning: something positioned halfway through an academic, political, or other defined period.
An examination given in the middle of an academic term; a legislative election held between presidential elections; or, more generally, the middle period of a larger term or process.
"The university announced the date of the winter midterm."
Occurring in the middle of a term or process, or relating to such an occurrence.
"The report included a midterm review of the project's progress."
The plural is used for multiple examinations or elections.
"Students received study guides before the midterms."
In politics, a midterm election can change the balance of power without choosing a new president.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does midterm come from?
“Midterm” is a compound formed in the early 20th century from the prefix “mid-” and the word “term.” The prefix derives from Latin “medius,” meaning middle, while “term” comes through Old French from Latin “terminus,” referring to a boundary or limit. The same Latin root underlies words such as “terminal” and “terminus,” while “interim” reflects the related idea of an interval between two periods.
Related word forms
How midterm is actually used
In education and politics, the word is especially common in North American English. It is sometimes written as “mid-term” or “mid term,” although “midterm” is standard in American academic and political usage.
Easily confused with midterm
A midterm is an examination or event held in the middle of a term, whereas a semester is the entire academic term or half of an academic year.