halve

verb

ˈhav 

ˈhäv

halved; halving

transitive verb

1

a

: to divide into two equal parts

b

: to reduce to one half

halving the present cost

c

: to share equally

2

golf : to play (a hole, round, or match) in the same number of strokes as one's opponent

I lost the next two holes to pars, then halved the fourth by missing an easy putt.

—David Owen

Examples of halve in a Sentence

The store is halving the price of many summer items.

Recent Examples on the Web

Steel and aluminum have been facing 50% duties, and officials reportedly were considering halving them. — Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Just one month ago, the ATP released a proposal to drastically cut prize money and halve the size of draws for doubles by 2028. — Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 20 Aug. 2026

To enhance success, companies should halve their agendas, focusing on unique, interactive experiences. — Nir Bashan, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

To serve fewer people, halve the recipe (and use a smaller pan). — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from half half

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for halve

• calve
• have
• nav
• mohave

Kids Definition

halve

verb

ˈhav 

ˈhȧv

halved; halving

1

: to divide into two halves

2

: to reduce to one half

halving the cost