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.
On the flight, Michelle sobbed uncontrollably for a half hour. Peter Slevin, New Yorker, 4 May 2026 The Tollgate, a pub frequented by hundreds of United supporters on matchdays, is lively even two and a half hours before kick-off. Chris McKenna, New York Times, 4 May 2026 Ideally on a clear day, golfers are expected to finish 18 holes in three-and-a half hours. Charley Walters, Twin Cities, 2 May 2026 Two and a half hours after Palisades’ girls team captured its fourth straight City Section lacrosse championship with a 20-8 trouncing of Birmingham, Palisades boys saw their streak of nine consecutive titles snapped in a 5-4 loss to the same school. Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026 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 5 May. 2026.

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
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