halftime

noun

half·time | \ ˈhaf-ˌtīm

How to pronounce halftime (audio)

, ˈhäf- \

Definition of halftime

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

half-time

adjective

\ ˈhaf-ˌtīm

How to pronounce half-time (audio)

, ˈhäf- \

Definition of half-time (Entry 2 of 2)

: involving or working half the standard hours

Other Words from halftime Example Sentences Learn More about halftime

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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 Miscues such as this one helped the Hornets open up a 19-point second-quarter lead before the Celtics climbed within 63-52 at halftime. — BostonGlobe.com, "Celtics’ defense uninterested in stopping undermanned Hornets, and other observations from loss," 25 Apr. 2021 Valeri and Zuparic came on as substitutes at halftime while the others came on later in the second half. — oregonlive, "Portland Timbers beat Houston Dynamo, usher back familiar feelings at Providence Park in front of fans," 25 Apr. 2021 With three touchdowns by Edwards, a punt return for a touchdown by sophomore Cassius Callahan and a 36-yard touchdown by junior Benjamin McLaughlin, the Blue Devils led 34-14 at halftime. — Nick Frazier, chicagotribune.com, "Reese Edwards gives Malachi McNeal and Warren’s seniors quite the send-off, rushing for 312 yards and five TDs in win that clinches share of conference title," 24 Apr. 2021 Miami’s defense was lacking early as the Hawks led 62-61 at halftime, and the Heat trailed by as many as 16 when Brandon Goodwin hit a reverse fast-break layup with 8:45 left in the game. — George Henry, ajc, "Bogdanovich, Collins lead injury-depleted Hawks past Heat," 24 Apr. 2021 Brooklyn piled up a 17-0 advantage in fast-break points in the first half and threatened to blow it open but couldn't contain Tatum, whose 3-pointer with 3.4 seconds left capped his 16-point second quarter and cut it to 60-51 at halftime. — Brian Mahoney, Star Tribune, "Nets back atop East after beating Celtics 109-104," 23 Apr. 2021 With the game tied at 5 at halftime, the Eagles dominated on ground balls, finished scoring chances and got timely saves from Wilson to win going away. — Glenn Graham, baltimoresun.com, "McDonogh boys lacrosse dominates second half to roll past visiting Calvert Hall, 16-10," 23 Apr. 2021 Brooklyn piled up a 17-0 advantage in fastbreak points in the first half and threatened to blow it open but couldn’t contain Tatum, whose 3-pointer with 3.4 seconds left capped his 16-point quarter and cut it to 60-51 at halftime. — Brian Mahoney, courant.com, "Nets back atop East after beating Celtics," 23 Apr. 2021 Cleveland trailed by 26 in the first half and was still down 74-49 at halftime. — Houston Mitchell Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, "The Sports Report: Lakers lose as Anthony Davis nears his return," 20 Apr. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'halftime.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

30 Apr 2021

Cite this Entry

“Halftime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/halftime. Accessed 5 May. 2021.

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More Definitions for halftime

halftime

noun

English Language Learners Definition of halftime

: the period of rest between the end of the first half and the beginning of the second half in games like football and basketball

See the full definition for halftime in the English Language Learners Dictionary

halftime

noun

half·time | \ ˈhaf-ˌtīm

, ˈhäf- \

Kids Definition of halftime

: a period of rest between the halves of a game (as basketball)

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