English Reference
noun

summer

n.
US /ˈsəmɝ/ UK /sˈʌmɐ/ sum·mer UK spelling summer's, summer's, summered

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    the warmest season of the year, coming between spring and autumn.

    the warmest of the four temperate seasons, occurring between the spring equinox and the autumnal equinox.

    Simple

    We spent every day at the beach during the hot summer break.

    In context

    The region experiences significant thermal lag, meaning the highest temperatures often occur well after the summer solstice.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Literary

    the best, happiest, or most successful time in someone's life.

    the period of highest development, perfection, or prosperity; a figurative golden age.

    Simple

    In the summer of her career, she was the most famous actress alive.

    In context

    Historians often refer to that decade as the brief summer of the empire before its eventual decline.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency LiteraryHumorous

    a way to count a person's age by years, usually for a young person.

    a synecdoche where 'summer' represents a full year, typically used to denote the age of a youth.

    Simple

    The young prince was only ten summers old when he took the throne.

    In context

    The poet described the maiden as having seen only eighteen summers, emphasizing her fleeting youth.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Technical Architecture

    a large, main beam that supports other beams in a building.

    a heavy horizontal timber or girder serving as a main support for floor joists or a superstructure.

    Simple

    The old barn was held up by a massive oak summer.

    In context

    During the renovation, the architect insisted on reinforcing the original summer to ensure the structural integrity of the floor above.

    girderbressummer

Usage summer heat · summer months · summer of wildfires

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated