# midterm

/ˈmɪdˌtɝm/ (US) · /mˈɪdtˌɜːm/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/midterm
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

an exam that you take in the middle of a school term. It tests what you have learned during the first half of the course.

For teachers: an examination administered halfway through an academic term to assess student progress. In political contexts, refers to elections held halfway through a head of state's term of office.

## Examples

- I need to study all weekend for my history midterm.
- The professor scheduled the midterm for next Tuesday to cover the first five chapters of the textbook.
- While the final exam is cumulative, the midterm focuses exclusively on the foundational theories introduced during the initial weeks of the semester.

## Usage notes

- Often used as a modifier before another noun, such as 'midterm exam' or 'midterm elections'.

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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.