Term End Describe I Time Years Noun Tɜːm

• a technical/legal/generic term
• a glossary of terms
• a term of abuse
• what is the meaning of the term ‘globalization’?

term

1. a word or phrase used as the name of something, especially one connected with a particular type of language
• SEE ALSO search term
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/search-term
• a technical/legal/generic term
• a glossary of terms
• a term of abuse
• What is the meaning of the term ‘globalization’?
• William Gibson coined the term (= invented the term) ‘cyberspace’ in 1984.
• ‘Old man’ is a slang term for ‘father’.
• The term ‘Generation X’ refers to the people born in the 1950s and 1960s.
• ‘Register’ is the term commonly used to describe different levels of formality in language.
• I would describe myself, for want of a better term, as a nerd.

Extra Examples

• I prefer the term ‘network’ to ‘community’.
• I think we can apply the term ‘genius’ to the painter.
• The term ‘acid rain’ was coined in the 19th century.
• Try entering the search term ‘classical music’.
• He hadn't realized that ‘chuck’ was a term of endearment.
2. (especially in the UK) one of the three periods in the year during which classes are held in schools, universities, etc.
• SEE ALSO half-term
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/half-term
• the spring/summer/autumn/fall term
• Many students now have paid employment during term.
• It's nearly the end of term.
• It's nearly the end of the term.
3. a period of time for which something lasts; a fixed or limited time
• SEE ALSO fixed-term
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fixed-term
• during the president’s first term of/in office
• a term as president/mayor/governor/prime minister
• He was sentenced to a prison/jail term of 25 years for the offence.
• She served a five-year term of imprisonment.
• The contract was for a fixed term of five years.
• to extend the term of a loan
• His presidential term expires at the end of May.

Extra Examples

• The term of agreement can be for either two or three years.
• Her current term runs until January 2024.
• She is now seeking her second term in the Senate.
• The lease is granted for a set term of years.
• The president wants to make tax reform a top priority during his second term.
4. the end of a particular period of time, especially one for which something is expected to last
• SEE ALSO full-term
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/full-term
• His life had reached its natural term.
• This view of the economy is approaching its term (= it will soon be old-fashioned).
• The pregnancy went to full term (= lasted the normal length of time).
• Her baby was born at term.
5. each of the various parts in a series, an equation, etc.
6. used to describe what will happen a long, short, etc. time in the future
• Such a development seems unlikely, at least in the short term (= it will not happen for quite a long time).
• In the longer term, children of depressed mothers are more likely to suffer from childhood depression.
• In the long term, our efforts will pay off.

Word Origin

• Middle English (denoting a limit in space or time, or (in the plural) limiting conditions): from Old French terme, from Latin terminus ‘end, boundary, limit’.