English Reference

Word

spring term

Definition

compound. the second part of the school or university year that usually starts in January and ends before Easter.

compound. the second academic session of the year in a three-term system, typically spanning from early January to the Easter break.

Examples

“We have a lot of exams during the spring term.”

“The university offers several new elective courses starting in the spring term for second-year students.”

“The administration announced that tuition fees for the upcoming spring term would remain frozen to assist students facing financial hardship.”

Examples

simple

“We have a lot of exams during the spring term.”

contextual

“The university offers several new elective courses starting in the spring term for second-year students.”

complex

“The administration announced that tuition fees for the upcoming spring term would remain frozen to assist students facing financial hardship.”

Usage

often used without an article when referring to the period generally, but takes 'the' when referring to a specific year.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'autumn term' and 'summer term' in the UK system, or 'spring semester' in the US system to highlight regional academic vocabulary.

Pitfall

I will see you in spring's term.

I will see you in the spring term.

the phrase is a compound noun and does not use a possessive apostrophe.

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Grade 2
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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