half hour

noun

1

: thirty minutes

2

: the middle point of an hour

half-hourly

ˈhaf-ˈau̇(-ə)r-lē 

ˈhäf-

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

An easier sighting on Wednesday On the following evening (Wednesday, May 28), the still delicately thin crescent is noticeably wider (5 percent illuminated) and considerably higher (17 degrees) above the west-northwest horizon a half hour after sunset. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 27 May 2025

Watch out for slippery roads: Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. —Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 25 May 2025

While Air Force One was approaching Saudi Arabia, about a half hour from landing, Saudi F-15 fighter jets appeared on both sides of Air Force One and escorted the plane at close proximity to landing, according to reporters traveling with the president. —Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 13 May 2025

But certainly, something to watch over the next half hour. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for half hour

• bower
• cower
• dour
• flour
• flower
• fower
• glower
• our
• power
• scour
• shower
• sour

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