Word
trimester
US/tɹaɪˈmɛstɝ/
UK/tɹˈaɪmɛstɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. one of the three periods that a pregnancy is divided into. It can also mean one of three terms in a school or university year.
n. a period of three months, especially as a division of the duration of human pregnancy. Also refers to one of three terms into which an academic year is divided at some institutions.
Examples
“She is currently in her second trimester of pregnancy.”
“The university switched from a semester system to a trimester system to allow for a shorter summer break.”
“During the first trimester, the developing embryo is particularly vulnerable to environmental factors, making prenatal care and nutrition critical during these initial twelve weeks.”
Examples
simple
“She is currently in her second trimester of pregnancy.”
contextual
“The university switched from a semester system to a trimester system to allow for a shorter summer break.”
complex
“During the first trimester, the developing embryo is particularly vulnerable to environmental factors, making prenatal care and nutrition critical during these initial twelve weeks.”
Usage
Commonly used with ordinal numbers such as 'first', 'second', or 'third'.
Real-World Examples
“By the time they end up in Maryland, they’re frequently past the second trimester.” “In the first trimester, both hormones rise fast.” Etymology
PIE word *tréyes From French trimestre, from Latin trimestris (“of three months”), from trēs (“three”) + mensis (“month”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/trimester