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

Robinson scored 14 points in the half while Edmonds added 9 to help the Horned Frogs take a 57-37 lead into halftime that wasn’t challenged in the second. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2026

Doncic, who was called for a technical foul late in the first half — his second of the season — had 24 points by halftime. — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026

Adjective

Having been 2-1 down at half-time to Stein’s former charges, Dunfermline, Celtic won 3-2. — Michael Walker, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Beneficiaries will have to work or volunteer at least 80 hours each month or be in school at least half-time to qualify, with exceptions for situations including medical frailty. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026

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)