Main Entry: ¹half

Pronunciation: \ˈhaf, ˈhäf\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural halves \ˈhavz, ˈhävz\

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English healf; akin to Old High German halb half

Date: before 12th century

1 a : either of two equal parts that compose something; also : a part approximately equal to one of these <half the distance> <the larger half of the fortune> b : half an hour —used in designation of time
2 : one of a pair: as a : partner b : semester, term c : either of the two equal periods that together make up the playing time of some games (as football); also : the midpoint in playing time <the score was tied at the half>
3 : half-dollar
4 : halfback

— by half : by a great deal

— by halves : in part : halfheartedly

— half again as : one-and-a-half times as <half again as many>

— in half : into two equal or nearly equal parts