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
Pulisic looked rusty while getting his first start since the group stage opener when he was subbed out at halftime with a calf injury. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026 At halftime and a goal up, Japan was on course for the biggest result in its history. — David Hickey, NBC news, 30 June 2026
Adjective
The two held out hope up until half-time. — Juliana Kim, NPR, 26 June 2026 Attendees donning only red and white were the happiest in the park, dancing along to the DJ’s half-time playlist. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 26 June 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 7 Jul. 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)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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