half hour

noun

1
: thirty minutes
2
: the middle point of an hour
half-hourly
ˈhaf-ˈau̇(-ə)r-lē How to pronounce half hour (audio)
ˈhäf-
adverb or adjective

Examples of half hour in a Sentence

Trains depart every half hour. I waited a half hour in line.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The line for the Barbie activation at the festival at one point was three and a half hours long. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 27 June 2026 Judging took place Saturday morning, when teams turned in entries every half hour. — Sophia Buonpane, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2026 Participants were instructed to walk for five minutes every half hour, hour, or two hours throughout the day. — Allison Forsyth, Health, 30 June 2026 Donors waited as long as two and a half hours to drop off supplies, creating what appeared to be an organized, human assembly line. — Ted Scouten, CBS News, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for half hour

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of half hour was in the 15th century

Rhymes for half hour

See All Rhymes for half hour

Browse Nearby Words

half hose
half hour
half-hour glass
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Half hour.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/half%20hour. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

half hour

noun
1
: thirty minutes
2
: the middle point of an hour
half-hourly
ˈhaf-ˈau̇(ə)r-lē, 
ˈhȧf-
adverb or adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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