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

Sandal-sweeping hem-length paired with handkerchief-style halter tops and crochet headscarves — all made in the label’s signature shimmery, lightweight knit material. —Angela Lei, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025

Up top, her red halter evoked the iconic red bathing suit that Pamela Anderson wore on the Baywatch for years. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2025

Verb

The 27-piece collection plays into this mindset with adorable beach-to-street matching sets such as a cherry red boucle halter top and midi skirt or skin-baring layers in terry — a signature of Kondi’s label. —Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 23 June 2025

Old Navy Matte Tankini Swim Top $40 $20 at Old Navy Old Navy’s Matte Tankini Swim Top boasts a complementary V-neck and halter top design that’s supportive and stylish. —Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 2 Apr. 2025

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