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

Dest was so bad that he got yanked at halftime and replaced by Gio Reyna. — Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 8 July 2026

The Valkyries’ blistering second quarter sent them into halftime with a 10-point lead. — Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 9 July 2026

Adjective

The United States took a 1-0 lead in the 45th minute, right before half-time. — Sean Gregory, Time, 2 July 2026

For example, a student enrolled half-time may qualify for roughly half the normal annual loan limit. — Dan Avery, CNBC, 1 July 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)