half hour

noun

1
: thirty minutes
2
: the middle point of an hour
half-hourly adverb or adjective

Examples of half hour in a Sentence

Trains depart every half hour. I waited a half hour in line.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
About a half hour after takeoff, an oven in the Boeing 737-800's forward galley caught on fire. Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025 In the first half hour there will be time to socialize, network, and enjoy refreshments. News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Sep. 2025 The man, later identified as 52-year-old Andrew Logan Williams, was arrested the next day in New York, about a half hour south of Buffalo, WDIV reported. Jennifer Rodriguez, Kansas City Star, 26 Sep. 2025 Survivor 49 is two hours — a half hour longer than the normal 90-minute episodes. Christopher Kuhagen, jsonline.com, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for half hour

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of half hour was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Half hour.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/half%20hour. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

half hour

noun
1
: thirty minutes
2
: the middle point of an hour
half-hourly
ˈhaf-ˈau̇(ə)r-lē
ˈhȧf-
adverb or adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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