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

New York has trailed all game, but that deficit is just 40-38 with 8 minutes to play before halftime after an 8-0 run in just the last 60 seconds. —Andrew Greif, NBC news, 9 June 2026

After a second quarter run, the Knicks ended the locker room with a seven-point lead at halftime. —Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026

Adjective

Previously, students enrolled at least half-time could qualify for the full annual loan amount. —Kennedy Cook, CBS News, 6 June 2026

The Colombian singer has been hired as part of an extended half-time entertainment in the World Cup final which, unlike last summer’s final which was confined to the stands, is to occur on the pitch. —Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 5 June 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)