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
But with 36 seconds and 25 seconds to go prior to halftime, respectively, those chases saw Arizona settle for a field goal. Oliver Thomas, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024 Related article From $245 million bust to Super Bowl contender again: the redemption arc of ‘Mr. Unlimited’ Russell Wilson The Eagles took a 17-13 lead into halftime and the defense stepped up after the break, shutting out the Pittsburgh offense in the next two quarters. Sam Joseph and, CNN, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
The deadlock was finally broken just before half-time as a clever pass from Yildiz found Vlahovic, who controlled it on the turn and slotted it between the ‘keeper’s legs. Adam Digby, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 With Spain leading 2-1, Endrick came on at half-time for his first appearance at the Bernabeu and produced a fine volley to give a glimpse of his personality to his future coaches. Guillermo Rai, The Athletic, 14 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near halftime

Cite this Entry

“Halftime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/halftime. Accessed 23 Dec. 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
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