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term

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noun American English pronunciation: term /tɜrm/ 
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  1. 1
    [countable] a word or phrase used for referring to something

    a technical/medical/legal/scientific term

    In simple terms, you need more exercise.

    The president condemns terrorism in the strongest possible terms.

    coin a term (=create a new term):

    Darwin originally coined the term "natural selection."

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of term
    1. a.
      [countable] [often plural] a word or phrase used as a name or for describing someone

      All his teachers speak of him in glowing terms.

      a term of endearment:

      We called our daughter "Princess" as a term of endearment.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of term
  2. 2

    terms

     [plural] used for saying which aspects of something you are considering or including

    In practical terms, this change is unlikely to affect many people.

    in political/economic/artistic terms

    in terms of:

    The savings, both in terms of time and money, could be considerable.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of term
  3. 3
    [countable] one of the periods of time into which the year is divided for students. In the U.S. a term can be, for example, a year, a semester, or a trimester

    What classes are you taking this term?

    You will be required to take an exam at the end of the term.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of term
    1. a.
      [countable] [usually singular] a period of time during which a government, court, or other official organization regularly meets

      The Supreme Court's term always begins in October.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of term
  4. 4
    [countable] a period of time during which a politician or other official holds their job

    In 1988 he was reelected for a five-year term.

    term of/in office:

    Her term of office ends in September.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of term
  5. 5
    [countable] the period of time that someone must spend in prison

    She's serving a 15-year term.

    prison/jail term:

    He received a prison term of six months.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of term
  6. 6
    [countable] a period of time that a legal, business, or financial agreement lasts

    Finance costs are collected over the term of the loan.

    fixed term:

    I was employed on a fixed-term contract of two years.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of term
  9. 9

    terms

     [plural] the conditions of a legal, business, or financial agreement that the people making it accept

    He had little choice but to accept their terms.

    term of:

    We have agreed the terms of the lease.

    under the terms of something:

    Under the terms of the 1947 Constitution, legislative authority is vested in the Assembly.

    terms and conditions:

    Do you agree to these terms and conditions?

    negotiate terms:

    He negotiated the terms for their release from prison.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of term
    1. a.
      the conditions you accept when you buy or sell something

      His terms are very reasonable.

      on easy terms (=paying small amounts over a long time):

      The bank makes loans on easy terms.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of term

phrases

This is the American English definition of term. View British English definition of term.

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