halftime

1 of 2

noun

half·​time ˈhaf-ˌtīm 

ˈhäf-

: an intermission between halves of a game or contest (as in football or basketball)

half-time

2 of 2

adjective

ˈhaf-ˌtīm 

ˈhäf-

: involving or working half the standard hours

half-time adverb

Examples of halftime in a Sentence

Noun

The score was tied at halftime.

The coaches discussed strategy during halftime.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Metallica’s Lars Ulrich addressed rumors that the band is circling a Las Vegas Sphere residency — as well as angling for the halftime show at next year’s Super Bowl — in an interview Wednesday with Howard Stern. —Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2025

The latter won the award last year, beating Usher’s Super Bowl halftime show, the Grammys, Netflix’s The Greatest Roast of All Time: Tom Brady and the Tonys. —Peter White, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025

Adjective

Brazil equalised with a penalty on the stroke of half-time and took the initiative on the other side of the break, but suffered a setback due to a freak own goal. —Neel Shelat, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025

Student loans can be deferred while enrolled at least half-time. —Adam Palasciano, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1865, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1861, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for halftime

• airtime
• bedtime
• daytime
• downtime
• enzyme
• lifetime
• longtime
• lunchtime
• mealtime
• meantime
• nighttime
• noontime

Kids Definition

halftime

noun

half·​time ˈhaf-ˌtīm 

ˈhȧf-

: an intermission marking the completion of half of a game (as in football)