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

The pair effortlessly channeled mother-daughter fashion in coordinating all-black looks, with the seasoned supermodel in a silky halter dress, sheer tights and open-toe heels, while her offspring wore a sculptural, strapless minidress and ankle-strap heels. —Michelle Lee, People.com, 25 Feb. 2025

Cabello opted for a teal velvet halter dress with a floral print. —Marissa Muller, WWD, 15 Feb. 2025

Verb

For the occasion, Munn wore an all-black vintage 2003 archival Yves Saint Laurent halter dress with a relaxed fit. —Angel Saunders, People.com, 26 Feb. 2025

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

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

Rhymes for halter

• altar
• alter
• falter
• psalter
• salter
• defaulter

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