half-moon

noun

ˈhaf-ˌmün 

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

Solid nail colors are clear classics, but there are multiple designs, like tortoiseshell prints and half-moon nail art, that are equally as versatile. — Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 19 July 2026

Slice it down the middle to create two half-moons, then slice those in half again for quarters. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026

Here, Ortsan draws on its experience building retractable half-moon car covers, like the one below. — New Atlas, 14 June 2026

During the team’s most recent processional, up Broad Street toward Ben Franklin Parkway, general manager Howie Roseman was hit in the head by a beer, leaving a half-moon cut on his forehead. — Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 11 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for half-moon

• attune
• baboon
• balloon
• bassoon
• buffoon
• cartoon
• cocoon
• festoon
• gaboon
• harpoon
• immune
• impugn

Kids Definition

half-moon

noun

-ˌmün

: the moon when half its disk appears lighted

Medical Definition

half-moon

noun

-ˌmün 

: lunula sense a