English Reference
noun · adjective

middle

n. · adj.
US /ˈmɪdəɫ/ UK /mˈɪdəl/ mid·dle UK spelling middles

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    n.the point or position that is at an equal distance from the sides or edges.

    n.the central point or part of a physical object or area.

    Simple

    There is a large wooden table in the middle of the room.

    In context

    The fountain was positioned exactly in the middle of the courtyard to create a sense of perfect symmetry.

  2. 02 A2 Elementary

    n.the part of an event or period of time between the beginning and the end.

    n.the intermediate part of a temporal sequence or narrative.

    Simple

    I woke up in the middle of the night because of a loud noise.

    In context

    The plot becomes increasingly complex in the middle of the novel, introducing several new characters who challenge the protagonist.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate

    n.the central part of a person's body, around the waist.

    n.the central section of the human torso; the waist area.

    Simple

    He has put on a bit of weight around his middle lately.

    In context

    The athlete wore a supportive belt around her middle to protect her lower back during the heavy lifting session.

    waistmidsection
  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate Politics

    n.the group of people whose political views are not extreme.

    n.the moderate portion of the political spectrum, avoiding both left-wing and right-wing extremes.

    Simple

    The candidate is trying to win votes from the political middle.

    In context

    To secure a majority, the party must appeal to the middle rather than focusing solely on its traditional base.

  5. 05 A2 Elementary

    adj.describing something that is in the center or between two other things.

    adj.positioned at an equal distance from the limits or edges; central.

    Simple

    She is the middle child in a family of three sisters.

    In context

    The middle drawer of the desk is where we keep the spare stationery and stamps.

Usage middle class · middle school · middle age

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated