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
Noun
The Suns led, 107-67, at halftime, and when the game ended, 6.58 points had been scored per minute. Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2024 Finding Lee with entry passes proved an annoyance, but K-State could make the adjustment at halftime. Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Mar. 2024 The Lopes led by one point at halftime but pushed their advantage to double digits early in the second half. Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 23 Mar. 2024 The Ivy League champion Bulldogs overcame a seven-point deficit at halftime behind junior guard John Poulakidas’ 28 points. Jacob Lev, CNN, 22 Mar. 2024 Clips from their 2001 Thanksgiving Day Cowboys game halftime show frequently go viral, and of-the-moment stars like SZA and Zach Bryan have shouted their love of Creed from the rooftops. Rachel Desantis, Peoplemag, 16 Mar. 2024 Three more Northfield buckets later, the score is 39-29 at halftime and the Nighthawks crowd is back in this. Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 11 Mar. 2024 South Carolina held a 36-32 advantage at halftime after Aneesah Morrow scored 11 of her 19 points in the opening two quarters. Homero De La Fuente, CNN, 11 Mar. 2024 Alabama regrouped and pulled within 42-36 at halftime. Bob Holt, arkansasonline.com, 10 Mar. 2024
Adjective
The mass exodus only ramped up after Kai Havertz and Declan Rice made it 5-0 before half-time. Ben Church, CNN, 5 Mar. 2024 Natascha Augustin, who was named managing director of Warner Chappell Music Germany in January, started at the company as a half-time intern, rotating among various departments. Robert Levine, Billboard, 4 Mar. 2024 Her attendance at the Super Bowl came after half-time performer Usher was announced as the new face of her loungewear, shapewear and underwear brand. Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 3 Mar. 2024 In search of an equalizer, Kilgore substituted star striker Alex Morgan into the game at half-time, but the team couldn’t find a way to break down Mexico’s resilient defense. Ben Church, CNN, 27 Feb. 2024 Nuñez was brought off at half-time in what may prove to be yet another injury problem for the Reds, on a day where Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota also had to be substituted. Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes, 17 Feb. 2024 So does rapper and singer Jelly Roll, and the minute-long spot closes with the big game’s half-time performer, Usher. Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Feb. 2024 As we get excited for this Sunday’s entertainment, take a look back at 5 of the most iconic Super Bowl half-time beauty moments of all time. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 7 Feb. 2024 Extra Limey Guacamole This guacamole packs a punch of zesty lime that not only eases the pungency of the raw red onions but also keeps the dip bright green well after half-time ... if there is any left. Sarah Mosqueda, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'halftime.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near halftime

Cite this Entry

“Halftime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/halftime. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!