halftone

noun

half·​tone ˈhaf-ˌtōn How to pronounce halftone (audio)
ˈhäf-
1
: half step sense 2
2
a
: any of the shades of gray between the darkest and the lightest parts of a photographic image
b(1)
: a photoengraving made from an image photographed through a screen and then etched so that the details of the image are reproduced in dots
(2)
: an image (such as one printed on an offset press or laser printer) that renders smooth variations of color in an original by means of dots assigned to areas of the image electronically
halftone adjective

Examples of halftone in a Sentence

using software to lighten the picture's halftones
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 halftone pattern is the cherry on top. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 11 Dec. 2025 The development of the halftone printing process created demand for a steady supply of images. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Mar. 2026 By designing the halftone patterns carefully, the researchers can decide how the material behaves as a whole. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Feb. 2026 Niemann developed a series of images that reflect his former New York life while also riffing on old-fashioned newspaper halftone dots. — Françoise Mouly, New Yorker, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for halftone

Word History

First Known Use

1636, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of halftone was in 1636

Rhymes for halftone

See All Rhymes for halftone

Browse Nearby Words

half-toe
halftone
half-tongue
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Halftone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/halftone. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

halftone

noun
half·​tone ˈhaf-ˌtōn How to pronounce halftone (audio)
ˈhäf-
: a medium tint or tone in a painting, engraving, or photograph
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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