michaelmas: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowformal, religious, academic
Quick answer
What does “michaelmas” mean?
The Christian feast of St. Michael the Archangel, celebrated on September 29th.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The Christian feast of St. Michael the Archangel, celebrated on September 29th.
In British institutional contexts (especially universities and the legal system), it denotes the autumn academic term or law term beginning near this date.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is actively used in UK institutional calendars (e.g., Oxford, Cambridge, courts). In the US, it is virtually unknown outside of some liturgical or historical contexts.
Connotations
In the UK, it evokes tradition, academia, and the start of the academic year. In the US, if recognized, it is purely a religious/historical reference.
Frequency
High frequency in specific UK institutional contexts; extremely low frequency in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “michaelmas” in a Sentence
[Institution] + holds its [event] in the Michaelmas term.The [subject] falls on Michaelmas.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “michaelmas” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Michaelmas term exams are challenging.
- The Michaelmas daisies are in bloom.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused, except in historic UK contexts for rent or accounting 'quarter days'.
Academic
Common in UK universities (e.g., 'Lectures start in Michaelmas term.').
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; used mainly by those connected to UK institutions or churches.
Technical
Used in UK legal calendars to denote a period of the court year.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “michaelmas”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “michaelmas”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “michaelmas”
- Misspelling: 'Michealmas'.
- Using it as a general term for 'autumn' outside specific UK institutions.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, in the UK it is also the name for the autumn term at universities and in the legal system, though its origin is religious.
Rarely. It is largely unknown in everyday American English and not used for academic calendars.
It is a type of aster flower that blooms around the time of Michaelmas in late September.
It comes from 'Michael' (the archangel) + 'mass' (a church service or feast day), meaning the feast day of St. Michael.
The Christian feast of St. Michael the Archangel, celebrated on September 29th.
Michaelmas is usually formal, religious, academic in register.
Michaelmas: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɪk(ə)lməs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɪkəlməs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Michaelmas moon (the full moon near Michaelmas)”
- “to come a Michaelmas ago (archaic, meaning a year ago)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Michael' + 'mass' – the church mass for St. Michael, which marks the start of the university 'mass' of students in autumn.
Conceptual Metaphor
CALENDAR TERM AS A FEAST DAY (The name of a religious festival becomes a container for a period of activity).
Practice
Quiz
In which country is the term 'Michaelmas' commonly used to denote an academic period?