noun / adjective / proper noun
midsummer
mid-SUM-er/ˌmɪdˈsʌmər/
The central season of summer.
In midsummer, adults enjoy a picnic beneath a leafy tree.
Etymology
The pieces mean “middle of summer.” Its traditional association with the summer solstice reflects a reckoning in which summer began at the start of May.
In context
Ronald Hutton. Sun rises and sets at different points in the horizon through the year, which is why days get shorter and longer, but it slows down at midwinter and midsummer.
More examples
- By midsummer, the tomato plants are heavy with fruit.
- The midsummer heat makes afternoon walks uncomfortable.
- Our town celebrates Midsummer with music and outdoor dancing.
Forms
midsummer
Similar words
- summertime
- Refers to summer as a whole, not just its middle.