Introduction:
The term Cold War was first used in 1947 by American journalist Walter Lippmann. However, it became a widely used term to describe the tense geopolitical rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union during the post-World War II period.

The origin of the term:
The term 'Cold War' was used by Walter Lippmann in his book 'The Cold War: A Study in US Foreign Policy'. In this book, Lippmann discussed the growing tensions between the US and the Soviet Union, and the potential for a global conflict. He argued that the US needed to adopt a new foreign policy to deal with this threat, one that focused on containing Soviet expansionism.

The meaning of the term:
The term Cold War referred to the political and military tension between the US-led Western powers and the Soviet Union and its allies. It was called a 'cold' war because there was no direct military conflict between the two superpowers, but rather a series of proxy wars and a nuclear arms race.

The significance of the term:
The term Cold War became significant because it helped to define the global geopolitical landscape during the post-World War II period. It also became a key part of the political rhetoric of both the US and the Soviet Union, and was used to justify a range of policies and actions.

The impact of the Cold War:
The Cold War had a significant impact on the world, shaping international relations and global politics for decades. The arms race between the US and the Soviet Union led to the development of nuclear weapons, which had the potential to destroy the world. The conflict also led to the division of Europe into two opposing blocs, and the spread of communism to many parts of the world.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the term Cold War was first used by Walter Lippmann in 1947 to describe the tense geopolitical rivalry between the US and the Soviet Union. The term became significant because it helped to define the global political landscape during the post-World War II period, and had a significant impact on international relations and global politics for decades.