trinity term: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Institutional
Quick answer
What does “trinity term” mean?
The third and final academic term at some British universities, especially Oxford and Cambridge, typically running from April to June.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The third and final academic term at some British universities, especially Oxford and Cambridge, typically running from April to June.
A period of legal sittings in the High Court of England and Wales, historically beginning on the Friday after Trinity Sunday.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is exclusively British. American universities do not use this term for their academic calendar, instead using terms like 'spring semester' or 'summer session'.
Connotations
In the UK, it connotes tradition, the historic university system, and the legal year. In the US, the term is largely unknown and has no specific connotation.
Frequency
Frequent within specific UK institutions (Oxbridge, legal courts); extremely rare to non-existent in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “trinity term” in a Sentence
[University] holds its exams in Trinity Term.The [legal] sittings for Trinity Term commence in May.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “trinity term” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Trinity-term exams are notoriously challenging.
- The Trinity-term timetable was published online.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used to denote the specific summer term at certain universities. 'My thesis is due at the end of Trinity Term.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation outside of those directly connected to the relevant institutions.
Technical
Used in legal contexts to denote a period of court sittings.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “trinity term”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “trinity term”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “trinity term”
- Using lowercase ('trinity term' instead of 'Trinity Term').
- Using it to refer to any summer academic period outside of specific UK institutions.
- Pronouncing 'trinity' with a long 'i' (/traɪnɪti/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. At Oxford, Trinity Term is the third term (Apr-Jun). At Cambridge, the third term is called Easter Term, though 'Trinity Term' is sometimes used informally or in specific collegiate contexts.
No, unless you attend Oxford, certain other UK universities, or are referring to the English legal system. It is not a generic term.
It is named after Trinity Sunday, a Christian feast which falls eight weeks after Easter, around the time this term historically began.
Yes, it is also one of the four terms of the legal year in the courts of England and Wales, though its practical significance in law has diminished.
The third and final academic term at some British universities, especially Oxford and Cambridge, typically running from April to June.
Trinity term is usually formal, institutional in register.
Trinity term: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtrɪnɪti tɜːm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtrɪnɪti tɝːm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the TRINity (three) as the THIRD term of the academic year.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A DIVIDED ENTITY (the year is divided into named terms).
Practice
Quiz
In which country is 'Trinity Term' a standard part of the institutional calendar?