semester break

[/səˈmɛstər breɪk/]
nounpl: semester breaks
recesso semestral
1. A scheduled period of time off from school or university between two academic semesters, typically lasting one to two weeks
During semester break, many students return home to visit their families.
Durante o recesso semestral, muitos estudantes retornam para casa para visitar suas famílias.
2. A vacation period that occurs in the middle of an academic year, between the first and second semester
The university announced that semester break will start on December 15th this year.
A universidade anunciou que o recesso semestral começará em 15 de dezembro este ano.
In Brazil, the semester break typically occurs in mid-year (around June-July) as the academic calendar differs from the US system. US universities generally have semester breaks in December/January (winter break) and sometimes a brief mid-semester break. The term reflects the division of the academic year into two main periods (semesters), and this break is crucial for student rest and family time.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
mid-year breakinter-semester breaksemester vacationmidterm break
Antonyms / Antônimos
academic sessionclassesschool year

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
recesso semestral
Most common and formal term used in educational institutions
Brazil (informal)
férias de meio de semestre
Alternative descriptive phrase used colloquially
Brazil (alternative)
intervalo semestral
Less common but still understood in academic contexts
Portugal
pausa semestral
Portuguese variation used in European Portuguese education system

Related Words

semesteracademic calendarrecessspring breakwinter breakholiday

Related Idioms & Phrases

make the most of semester break
during semester break
enjoy semester break
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