Phrase guide

midterm election

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A general election for all the representatives and one-third of the senators in Congress in a year without a presidential election as well.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US

Topics: government, politics

Examples

  • In the United States, general elections occur in even-numbered years, with the quadrennial presidential elections distinguished from the midterm elections between them.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From its occurrence roughly halfway through a president's usual term of office.