half-moon

noun

ˈhaf-ˌmün How to pronounce half-moon (audio)
ˈhäf-
1
: the moon when half its disk appears illuminated
2
: something shaped like a crescent
3
: the lunule of a fingernail
half-moon adjective

Examples of half-moon in a Sentence

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.
Add a splash of color to your manicure with a half-moon design. Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 20 Jan. 2026 New moon skies are dark, especially when compared to nights when the moon is out; even a half-moon (when the moon is at first or last quarter phase) is the second brightest object in the sky after the sun. Jesse Emspak, Space.com, 18 Jan. 2026 Slice the cucumbers into half-moons and toss with the apples. Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 15 Jan. 2026 Ventilation is provided by half-moon vents on each sidewall, as well as openable windows. New Atlas, 15 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for half-moon

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of half-moon was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Half-moon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/half-moon. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

half-moon

noun
-ˌmün
: the moon when half its disk appears lighted

Medical Definition

half-moon

noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster