halter

1 of 2

noun

hal·​ter ˈhȯl-tər How to pronounce halter (audio)
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

Illustration of halter
  • halter 1b

halter

2 of 2

verb

haltered; haltering ˈhȯl-t(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce halter (audio)

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
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
Posing alongside Ciara, Wang wore a thin black bandeau top with Y-neck white halter dress. Mikelle Street, WWD, 29 Oct. 2024 On hand to help induct Cher, Zendaya — impeccably dressed in an abdomen-grazing halter dress as a visual nod to her hero — made sure to highlight one of the most enduring legacies of the singer’s career. Devon Ivie, Vulture, 20 Oct. 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 See all Example Sentences for halter 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of halter was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near halter

Cite this Entry

“Halter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/halter. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on halter

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