Trimester: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used in academic or medical settings to describe a three-month period, especially in a year, or to reference stages of pregnancy.

• The second trimester of pregnancy is often easier than the first.
• Many universities have a trimester system instead of semesters.

Commonly used in business or finance to divide a year into four parts. It can also refer to sections of a city or school year.

• The company's revenue increased in the first quarter of the year.
• We explored the historic quarter of the city.

A general term for any length of time. It can be used in various contexts, including historical eras, school classes, or cycles.

• The medieval period saw many changes in European society.
• Each class period in high school lasts for 45 minutes.

Typically used to describe distinct stages in a process or development. It can refer to periods in life, projects, or scientific phenomena.

• The project is currently in the planning phase.
• Teenagers often go through a rebellious phase.

Used primarily in medical contexts to describe one of the three periods of roughly three months each that make up a full-term pregnancy. It can also refer to academic periods in some educational institutions, particularly in the U.S.

• The first trimester is often the most challenging for expectant mothers.
• Our school divides the year into three trimesters.

Typically used in business and financial contexts to describe one of the four periods of three months each in a financial year, or in some academic settings to represent one of four grading periods.

• The company reported higher earnings in the third quarter.
• She will be studying abroad during the winter quarter.

Often used in British English in educational contexts to describe one of the three periods into which the school year is divided. It can also refer more broadly to any set period of time.

• The autumn term starts in September.
• He was elected for a four-year term.

Most commonly used in educational settings to denote one of two main periods (usually around 15-18 weeks each) into which the academic year is divided.

• He will graduate at the end of the spring semester.
• I have a heavy course load this semester.