Hemisphere Meaning
/ˈhɛmɪsfɪə/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounHalf of the celestial sphere, as divided by either the ecliptic or the celestial equator .
nounA realm or domain of activity .
Sentence Examples
Those animals can be seen in the northern hemisphere.
The United States is in the Northern Hemisphere.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The Earth's northern ____ has more land than its southern counterpart.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The northern ____ of the Earth experiences winter while the southern part is enjoying summer.
Word Origin & History
From Latin hemisphaerium, from Ancient Greek ἡμισφαίριον (hēmisphaírion), from ἡμι- (hēmi-, “half”) + σφαῖρα (sphaîra, “sphere”). Equivalent to hemi- + sphere. Displaced native Old English healftrendel (literally “half-sphere”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Love is the Columbus of our moral world, and opens, at some period or other, a new hemisphere to our view."
— 1831, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], Romance and Reality. […], volume III, London: Henry Colburn and Richard Bentley, […], →OCLC, pages 91–92:
"Bangkok typically sees temperatures between 73 and 91 degrees Fahrenheit (23 to 33 degrees Celsius) during January, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand – one reason why it’s a paradise for many tourists looking to escape winter in the northern hemisphere."
— 2025 January 14, Jay Ganglani, Kocha Olarn, “59 degrees Fahrenheit might not sound that chilly. In Thailand’s capital, it’s a shock to the system”, in CNN, archived from the original on 24 Jan 2025:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The Earth's northern ____ has more land than its southern counterpart.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The northern ____ of the Earth experiences winter while the southern part is enjoying summer.