# hemisphere

/ˈhɛmɪsˌfɪɹ/ (US) · /hˈɛmɪsfˌiə/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hemisphere
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. half of the Earth

noun · CEFR B2

one half of the Earth, usually divided by the equator into north and south.

For teachers: one of the halves into which the Earth is divided, typically by the equator or a meridian.

- In the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are the opposite of those in Europe.
- Migratory patterns often involve birds traveling between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres to exploit seasonal abundance in different climates.

Usage: Usually capitalized when naming a specific one, such as the Northern Hemisphere.

### 2. half of the brain

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

one of the two halves of the human brain.

For teachers: either of the two symmetrical halves of the cerebrum in the brain.

- The left hemisphere of the brain is often associated with language and logic.
- Neuroscientists have demonstrated that while certain functions are lateralized, both hemispheres communicate constantly through the corpus callosum.

Usage: Often used with 'left' or 'right'.

### 3. geometry

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

any half of a solid round shape or sphere.

For teachers: a half of a sphere, formed by a plane passing through its center.

- The modern building was topped with a glass hemisphere that let in the light.
- The architect designed the ceiling as a perfect hemisphere, creating an acoustic environment where even a whisper could be heard across the hall.

### 4. astronomy

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

half of the sky as seen from Earth.

For teachers: half of the celestial sphere as divided by the celestial equator or the ecliptic.

- Certain constellations are only visible to people living in the northern hemisphere.
- Astronomers cataloged the stars of the southern hemisphere during the eighteenth-century expeditions, filling in gaps in the existing celestial maps.

## Examples

- Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere.
- The left hemisphere of the brain is typically associated with language and logical processing.
- Migratory patterns often involve birds traveling between the Northern and Southern hemispheres to take advantage of seasonal food abundance and favorable breeding conditions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.