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.
Swift explains the parallel worlds of the two of them performing in NFL stadiums and entertaining for three-and-a-half hours at the time. Bryan West, USA Today, 19 Dec. 2025 Legal deer hunting hours in Indiana Hoosiers may hunt from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 18 Dec. 2025 But even in temperatures between 13 and 31 degrees, the American Red Cross recommends taking indoor breaks every half hour. Eva Wen, jsonline.com, 13 Dec. 2025 Moore, 35, grew up in Prosser, Washington, roughly a two-and-a-half hour drive from Pullman. Zach Sweet, Kansas City Star, 13 Dec. 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 24 Dec. 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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