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

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

The 11-minute halftime performance, curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, will take place during the final outside New York on July 19. — Staff and Wire Reports, Boston Herald, 8 July 2026

Adjective

There were calls for his substitution at half-time, but an injury to Lucas Paqueta meant that Carlo Ancelotti had to shuffle his pack differently. — Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 July 2026

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