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half term

(UK) A short school holiday in the middle of the term, generally lasting a week.

ˈhæf ˈtɝmCurrent150 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
🇬🇧 British & Irish slang
1 definition
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Seen in the wild
5 citations · last seen May 2026

Seen in the wild

Definitions

UK
#1·Apr 27, 2026UK

(UK) A short school holiday in the middle of the term, generally lasting a week.

For parents

"half term" means: A short school holiday in the middle of the term, generally lasting a week.. This is a fairly neutral word with no inherent risk attached. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than something dangerous. If your child uses it, context will usually make the meaning clear. A brief, curious question about where they heard it is generally enough to know whether to follow up.

For ESL learners

"half term" means: A short school holiday in the middle of the term, generally lasting a week.. Register: neutral, standard English, usable in most everyday contexts. Note the regional or dialect label (UK) — usage may sound odd outside that variety. A common non-native mistake is to use the word in the wrong register, or to assume one fixed meaning when it is actually polysemous; always check the surrounding register and the audience before producing it yourself. In formal writing, prefer a neutral synonym or a short descriptive phrase, and use this word only when you have heard or read it being used naturally in a comparable context.

Heard in the wild
  • “Half term Fun - Beachcombing 29/5/26 Crosby Beach book via www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/beach-comb... @seftoncouncil.bsky.social”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “Book your spot now on our May half term coaching courses! Find out more: yorkshireccc.com/yorkshire-cr...”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “🚀✨ Blast off this half term with our Family Planetarium Show at Bath Central Library! Ever wondered why Mars is red 🔴 or how Saturn got its rings 💫? Join us on 27 May for a 40-minute journey through our Solar System🌍🪐 🎟️ Booking essential herschelmuseum.org.uk/whats-on”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “Shipwrecks! Clues! Crafts! Join us this half term for a fun workshop led by Jo Arnold, author of The Shipwreck Atlas. We will take part in a battleship gameshow and turn into shipwreck detectives. 🗓️ Thursday 28th May ⏰ 3:00-4:00pm 📚 Ideal ages 7+ 🎟️ Tickets via bio”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “Airlines across the world have cut thousands of May flights and scaled back capacity as the jet fuel shortage begins to bite, raising the risk of disruption for families travelling over the half term break. ➡️ https://l.euronews.com/KitA”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
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For specific readers

"half term" means: A short school holiday in the middle of the term, generally lasting a week.. This is a fairly neutral word with no inherent risk attached. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than something dangerous. If your child uses it, context will usually make the meaning clear. A brief, curious question about where they heard it is generally enough to know whether to follow up.

Why is this section here?

Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.

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UK

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🇬🇧About British & Irish slang slang

UK and Irish slang — Cockney, Scouse, Geordie, Yorkshire, Glaswegian, Brummie, Welsh, West Country, plus Irish English. Centuries of regional dialects feeding into modern British and Irish street talk.

See all British & Irish slang slang on Slangora.

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