halfway

1 of 2

adverb

half·​way ˈhaf-ˈwā 

ˈhäf-

: midway between two points

At length the cat steps halfway out the door, showing his spotted brown coat and the stripes on his legs.

—Paul Comstock

halfway

2 of 2

adjective

1

: midway between two points

at the halfway point/mark

2

: partial

a halfway solution

Synonyms

Adjective

• deficient
• fragmental
• fragmentary
• half
• incomplete
• partial

Examples of halfway in a Sentence

Adjective

She was leading at the halfway mark of the race.

We're halfway toward completing the project.

They're only offering halfway measures, not a real solution.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

As Rose says, this sign does not do things halfway—and that includes home decor. —Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Apr. 2025

Your ability to meet others halfway will create partnerships that improve your life and finances for the long haul! —Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Apr. 2025

Adjective

Today, April 1, is the halfway mark between the 2020 and 2030 decennial census counts. —Julie Menin, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2025

Throughout the first three seasons — with the third currently just past the halfway mark — there has been no shortage of deaths, with even some of the show's biggest stars making unexpected departures. —Stacy Lambe, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

Middle English half wey, from half half entry 2 + wey way entry 1

Adjective

derivative of halfway entry 1

First Known Use

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1644, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing halfway

• halfway around/across the world
• halfway decent
• halfway house
• halfway through
• meet halfway

Rhymes for halfway

• airway
• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway
• beret

Kids Definition

halfway

adjective

half·​way -ˈwā 

1

: midway between two points

stop at the halfway mark

2

: partial sense 3

halfway measures

halfway adverb