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

Bad Bunny, Green Day and Brandi Carlile are all set to have a performance in Santa Clara, California, either before the game begins or during its halftime show. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 7 Feb. 2026

There are few opportunities to mount an entertainment of this scale — not even a Super Bowl halftime show can compare. —Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026

Adjective

Barring a dramatic Newcastle comeback from 2-0 down at half-time in the other semi-final, the Premier League leaders’ opponents at Wembley will be City, who sit second in the table. —James McNicholas, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026

Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar leads the pack in nominations; and as the most recent Super Bowl half-time headliner, he's got buzz on his side. —The Glamour Editors, Glamour, 1 Feb. 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)