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

Mansfield scored two touchdowns in less than two minutes to take a 16-point lead into halftime Saturday, then the Tigers held off a late push from Fordyce to win the Class 3A state championship football game 40-30 at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. —Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 13 Dec. 2025

Aledo, which had not allowed more than 17 points all season, carried a 28–21 lead into halftime, and extended it with a 54-yard TD from Finley on a quick slant. —Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Dec. 2025

Adjective

But goal concessions just before and after half-time hampered their campaign, as did failing to take their chances. —Chris Waugh, New York Times, 12 Dec. 2025

During half-time, Shanahan gave another update on Woods' condition. —Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Dec. 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)