halftime

1 of 2

noun

half·​time ˈhaf-ˌtīm 

ˈhäf-

: an intermission between halves of a game or contest (as in football or basketball)

half-time

2 of 2

adjective

ˈhaf-ˌtīm 

ˈhäf-

: involving or working half the standard hours

half-time adverb

Examples of halftime in a Sentence

Noun

The score was tied at halftime.

The coaches discussed strategy during halftime.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Kornet, who replaced Kristaps Porziņģis in the lineup at halftime, blocked five shots in the third quarter alone. —Jay King, New York Times, 15 May 2025

Northwestern expanded its lead to 10-5 at halftime, but the Quakers started the third quarter on a 5-1 run to cut the lead to one. —Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025

Adjective

Trailing 2-0 at half-time against Palace in their penultimate game of the season, and with a trip Arsenal to come, Frank Lampard’s side seemed destined for the Championship. Then came salvation. —Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 16 May 2025

Jones rejoined the group during a half-time show performance at the NBA All-Star event in March 2025. —Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 16 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1865, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1861, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for halftime

• airtime
• bedtime
• daytime
• downtime
• enzyme
• lifetime
• longtime
• lunchtime
• mealtime
• meantime
• nighttime
• noontime

Kids Definition

halftime

noun

half·​time ˈhaf-ˌtīm 

ˈhȧf-

: an intermission marking the completion of half of a game (as in football)