Definition of half
(Entry 1 of 3)
1a
: either of two equal parts that compose something
also
: a part approximately equal to one of these
half the distance the larger half of the fortune
b
: half an hour
—used in designation of time half past two
2
: one of a pair: such as
a
: partner
c
: either of the two equal periods that together make up the playing time of some games (such as football)
also
: the midpoint in playing time
the score was tied at the half
3
: half-dollar
4
: halfback
by half
by halves
half again as
in half
: by a great deal
too clever by half
: in part : half-heartedly
She never does things by halves.
: one-and-a-half times as
half again as many
: into two equal or nearly equal parts
cut the apple in half
half
adjectiveDefinition of half (Entry 2 of 3)
1a
: being one of two equal parts
a half share a half sheet of paper
b(1)
: that is approximately equal to either of two equal parts that compose something : amounting to approximately half
a half mile a half million
(2)
: falling short of the full or complete thing : partial
half measures a half smile
2
: extending over one of two equal parts of something : covering only half
a half window a half mask
half
adverbDefinition of half (Entry 3 of 3)
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Share half
Time Traveler for half
The first known use of half was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century