# spring term

CEFR B1 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/spring-term
Updated: 2026-07-28

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I will see you in spring's term." but "I will see you in the spring term." — the phrase is a compound noun and does not use a possessive apostrophe.

## Usage notes

- 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.

---

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.