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

The Valkyries led 43-40 at halftime and extended the lead in the third period. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026

Burrell didn’t record her first field goal until 43 seconds before halftime, but a steal and score in the waning seconds before the buzzer made her 2-for-9 performance from the field (0 for 4 from behind the arc) slightly more palatable. — Kai Dizon, Daily News, 12 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Two goals down at half-time, Farke changed the formation and Leeds recovered to 2-2, before eventually losing in injury time. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS and Shakira were among those who performed at the World Cup's first ever half-time show, which stretched the break out to more than 27 minutes, drawing criticism from commentators and fans. — Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 20 July 2026

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)