halftime

1 of 2

noun

half·​time ˈhaf-ˌtīm How to pronounce halftime (audio)
ˈhäf-
: an intermission between halves of a game or contest (as in football or basketball)

half-time

2 of 2

adjective

ˈhaf-ˌtīm How to pronounce half-time (audio)
ˈhäf-
: involving or working half the standard hours
half-time adverb

Examples of halftime in a Sentence

Noun The score was tied at halftime. The coaches discussed strategy during halftime.
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.
Noun
The partnership made Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, and Roc Nation a co-producer of the halftime show and NFL social justice initiatives. — Aoife Walsh, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026 The Brooklyn rapper has had the ultimate say in who the halftime performer is every year since 2020. — Laura Zornosa, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
Adjective
Having been 2-1 down at half-time to Stein’s former charges, Dunfermline, Celtic won 3-2. — Michael Walker, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026 Beneficiaries will have to work or volunteer at least 80 hours each month or be in school at least half-time to qualify, with exceptions for situations including medical frailty. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for halftime

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1865, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1861, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of halftime was in 1861

Rhymes for halftime

See All Rhymes for halftime

Browse Nearby Words

half-timber
halftime
half-time
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Halftime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/halftime. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

halftime

noun
half·​time ˈhaf-ˌtīm How to pronounce halftime (audio)
ˈhȧf-
: an intermission marking the completion of half of a game (as in football)
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