semibold: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical / Specialised
Quick answer
What does “semibold” mean?
A weight of typeface or font that is darker than the regular weight but not as dark as bold.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A weight of typeface or font that is darker than the regular weight but not as dark as bold.
Sometimes used more broadly to describe a character, trait, or quality that is moderately pronounced or strong, though this usage is less common and mainly metaphorical.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is standardised in international typographic and design communities.
Connotations
Neutral, technical descriptor. No regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, confined to design/tech contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “semibold” in a Sentence
Use the [semibold] for headings.Set the [HEADING] to semibold.The [FONT] is available in a semibold weight.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “semibold” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The brand guidelines specify semibold Helvetica for all subheadings.
- For better hierarchy, consider using the semibold variant.
American English
- Change that text to the semibold weight for emphasis.
- The semibold font is perfect for captions without being overpowering.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in brand guidelines and document formatting specifications (e.g., 'Titles should be set in the corporate semibold font').
Academic
Rare; might appear in design theory, visual communication, or human-computer interaction papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core usage context. Standard term in font menus of design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, CSS `font-weight: 600`), typography, and UI/UX design.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “semibold”
- Using 'semi-bold' with a hyphen is common but the closed form 'semibold' is standard in typography.
- Using it as a general adjective (e.g., 'He was semibold in his approach') – this is incorrect.
- Pronouncing it as /ˈsɛmibəʊld/ (stress on first syllable); correct stress is on '-bold'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Semibold is a distinct, intermediate weight between regular (or 'normal') and bold. It is less heavy and pronounced than bold.
Select the text you wish to format, then choose 'Semibold' or 'Demi-bold' from the font weight menu (often represented by a 'B' icon for bold, with a dropdown for other weights). Not all fonts have a semibold variant.
The numeric value `font-weight: 600` typically corresponds to semibold. The keyword `semibold` is not standard CSS; use `600` or `font-weight: bold` and override with a specific font family that has the weight.
This is highly unconventional and would likely be misunderstood. It is a technical term for visual design. To describe a person, use terms like 'moderately courageous' or 'somewhat assertive' instead.
A weight of typeface or font that is darker than the regular weight but not as dark as bold.
Semibold is usually technical / specialised in register.
Semibold: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsemiˈbəʊld/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsemiˈboʊld/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “none”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a semi-trailer truck: it's not a full convoy (bold), but it's heavier than a regular car (regular font). Semi + bold = halfway to bold.
Conceptual Metaphor
WEIGHT IS VISUAL PROMINENCE (A semibold font 'carries more visual weight' than a regular one).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'semibold' primarily used?