1. examinations given in the middle of an academic term
Usage: plural form
2. elections held in the middle of a political term, especially congressional elections held between presidential elections
Usage: political context; often capitalized as Midterms

Examples

• Students are studying hard for their midterms next week.
• She failed two of her midterms but passed the final exams.
• The professor scheduled midterms for the week before spring break.
• Democrats gained seats in the midterms.
• Voter turnout is typically lower during midterms than presidential elections.
• The president’s party often loses seats in the midterms.
• Political analysts are predicting a close race in the upcoming midterms.