English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun

midsummer

mihd-SUH-muh

Midsummer (noun) means the period around the summer solstice, roughly late June in the northern hemisphere. Example: “Midsummer brings the longest days of the year.”

noun
1
The period around the summer solstice, roughly late June in the northern hemisphere.
"Midsummer brings the longest days of the year."
2
A traditional festival, of pagan or Wiccan origin, celebrating the summer solstice.
"Bonfires are lit across Scandinavia to celebrate Midsummer."
adj
1
Occurring around the middle of summer.
"They held a midsummer wedding in the garden."

How to Use Midsummer

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe middle of summer, especially the solstice around June 21st, and festivals celebrating it.

Common pairings
Midsummer Day Midsummer's Eve midsummer festival

Word Forms

midsummers plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “midsummer” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ brings the longest days of the year.

Etymology

From Old English midsumor, "mid-" + "summer" — the middle point of summer.

Origin: Old English

northern solstice St. John's Day summer solstice

Rhymes for midsummer

See all rhymes for midsummer →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “midsummer” mean?

The word “midsummer” means the period around the summer solstice, roughly late June in the northern hemisphere. In plain terms, the middle of summer, especially the solstice around June 21st, and festivals celebrating it.

How do you pronounce “midsummer”?

“Midsummer” is pronounced mihd-SUH-muh (/mɪdˈsʌmə(ɹ)/ in IPA).

How do you use “midsummer” in a sentence?

Here is “midsummer” used in a sentence: “Midsummer brings the longest days of the year.”

What is another word for “midsummer”?

Words with a similar meaning to “midsummer” include northern solstice, St. John's Day and summer solstice.

What part of speech is “midsummer”?

Depending on how it is used, “midsummer” can be a noun and an adjective.

Where does the word “midsummer” come from?

The word “midsummer” comes from Old English. From Old English midsumor, "mid-" + "summer" — the middle point of summer.

How many meanings does “midsummer” have?

“Midsummer” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the period around the summer solstice, roughly late June in the northern hemisphere.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial