Definition of 'exam'

exam

(ɪgzæm )

Word forms: exams

1. countable noun

An exam is a formal test that you take to show your knowledge or ability in a particular subject, or to obtain a qualification.

I don't want to take any more exams.

2. countable noun

If you have a medical exam, a doctor looks at your body, feels it, or does simple tests in order to check how healthy you are.

[mainly US]

These medical exams have shown I am in perfect physical condition.

exam in American English

(ɛgˈzæm ; egzamˈ; ɪgˈzæm ; igzamˈ)

noun

examination

exam

(ɪɡˈzæm )

noun

short for examination

Example sentences containing 'exam'

This is most common for gap year students who have already taken their exams. Times, Sunday Times (2008)Can you still take exams and do well in school? Times, Sunday Times (2011)On a final exam you show comprehensive knowledge. Bachmann, Susan (editor) & Barth, Melinda Between Worlds: A Reader, Rhetoric and Handbook (1995)More emphasis will now be put on formal exams. The Sun (2013)Studies show that exam pressure is more likely to impair the performance of good students than average ones. Times, Sunday Times (2006)Pupils who have not benefited from regular testing are likely to find the experience of a formal exam daunting. Times, Sunday Times (2010)Take our quiz on the right to see if your child is showing signs that exams are becoming too much. The Sun (2015)The investigations also showed how exam boards compete with each other commercially to make it easier for schools to get better grades. Times, Sunday Times (2011)In the Sorbonne last year they decided to make students take the exams without being taught properly. Times, Sunday Times (2010)He also lost his Job at a nightclub when he asked for time off to take exams. Times, Sunday Times (2015)Tests on 20 male students studying for exams showed they had trouble shifting between different tasks. The Sun (2009)As part of the exam, the doctor looked in his eyes. Christianity Today (2000)They are not really gifted kids or child prodigies, just children who have taken their exams early. Paul Martin MAKING HAPPY PEOPLE (2005)I have now been told a formal exam cannot take place because all rooms have been rented out. Times, Sunday Times (2010)As well as setting exams and awarding qualifications the institute helps tax experts to keep up with the many changes in regulations by organising conferences and lectures. Times, Sunday Times (2006)A survey last month showed that exams had been cancelled or postponed at one in five universities because of the industrial action by academics. Times, Sunday Times (2006)We accept the need for exams and qualifications, but it's a question of degree. Times, Sunday Times (2015)It should not be optional to take your child to a doctor 's exam or oversee a child's homework. Times, Sunday Times (2007)A sixth form that opened less than a year ago has emerged as a pioneer of free schools after its first exam results showed a promising future. Times, Sunday Times (2015)GCSE exams usually take place in May and June. Times, Sunday Times (2015)