What does sessional mean?
“Sessional” means relating to a session, especially a defined period of study, employment, or activity. Its most familiar use is in education, where sessional courses, exams, teachers, or tuition belong to a particular academic term or teaching period. The adjective can also describe temporary or limited appointments, such as a sessional consultant who works for a specified period rather than holding a permanent post. In these uses, “sessional” emphasizes the limited or defined duration of the arrangement. It is common in British, Irish, Commonwealth, and South African English, although it is also understood in American English. The word is useful when the distinction between permanent, year-round work and work tied to a particular term or session needs to be made.
adjectiveRelating to a session, especially an academic period or a period of employment or study lasting for one specified session. It may also denote work, teaching, or assessment conducted during a particular session rather than continuously.
- Relating to an academic session, term, or period of instruction.
- Relating to work, employment, or an appointment lasting for a session or a specified period rather than permanently.
"The university offers the course through sessional teaching during the winter term."
"Students must sit the sessional examinations at the end of each term."
"The hospital relies on several sessional consultants during the busy winter period."
In universities and schools, “sessional” often signals teaching or employment tied to one term, semester, or appointment rather than a permanent post.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sessional come from?
“Sessional” was formed in the 17th century from “session” and the suffix “-al,” meaning “pertaining to” or “connected with.” “Session” comes through French from Latin sessio, a noun derived from sedere, “to sit,” originally referring to a sitting or meeting. Related English words include “sessile,” “sedentary,” and “subsession,” reflecting the same broad Latin root connected with sitting or sessions.
How sessional is actually used
The adjective is especially associated with British, Irish, Commonwealth, and South African English. In academic contexts, “sessional” can distinguish term-specific teaching, assessment, or employment from a permanent or year-round arrangement. It is also used in medical staffing to describe consultants or other doctors working for a limited period.
Easily confused with sessional
“Session” is the noun for a period of activity or a formal meeting, while “sessional” is an adjective describing something connected with such a period.