halter

1 of 2

noun

hal·​ter ˈhȯl-tər 

1

a

: a rope or strap for leading or tying an animal

b

: a headstall usually with noseband and throatlatch to which a lead may be attached

2

: a rope for hanging criminals : noose

also : death by hanging

3

: a woman's blouse or top that leaves the back, arms, and midriff bare and that is typically held in place by straps around the neck and across the back

Illustration of halter

• halter 1b

halter

2 of 2

verb

haltered; haltering ˈhȯl-t(ə-)riŋ 

transitive verb

1

a

: to catch with or as if with a halter

also : to put a halter on

b

: hang

2

: to put restraint upon : hamper

Examples of halter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Never one to hold back on fashion, Kardashian opted for a red leather halter dress from Ludovic de Saint Sernin. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2024

Another fan account, this one dedicated to Swift and Kelce’s love story, shared a snap of the lovers posing, dolled up in a black halter dress and tux, respectively. —Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 19 Dec. 2024

Verb

For one of her looks, the model wore a red lace halter bra and matching bottoms, plus a beaded fringe jacket that was buttoned closed to hide her stomach. —Bailey Richards, People.com, 15 Oct. 2024

Cox, on the other hand, channeled preppy-chic in a bold three-piece set featuring a blazer, mini pleated skirt, and halter top in a striking red, white, and blue stripe pattern, adding a fresh, patriotic flair to her courtside style. —Ty Gaskins, WWD, 7 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English hælftre; akin to Old High German halftra halter, Old English hielfe helve

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

halter

noun

hal·​ter

ˈhȯl-tər

1

a

: a rope or strap for leading or tying an animal

b

: a set of straps enclosing an animal's head to which a lead may be attached

2

: a rope for hanging criminals : noose

3

: a woman's blouse or top that is held in place by straps around the neck and across the back and that leaves the back, arms, and midriff bare

halter verb