halftime

1 of 2

noun

half·​time ˈhaf-ˌtīm How to pronounce halftime (audio)
ˈhäf-
: an intermission between halves of a game or contest (as in football or basketball)

half-time

2 of 2

adjective

ˈhaf-ˌtīm How to pronounce half-time (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Petrino said an 8-man defensive front by Tennessee gave Arkansas trouble after halftime. Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2025 Boise State led just 17-14 at halftime despite holding New Mexico to 62 total yards. Jim Keyser, Idaho Statesman, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
City next play Chelsea in January, when Gallagher and Madonna will no doubt debate whether Raheem Sterling fulfilled his career potential over a half-time pint. Tim Spiers, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025 Lucas Martínez Quarta and Juanfer Quintero came on for the host team at half-time. Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for halftime

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1865, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1861, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of halftime was in 1861

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Halftime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/halftime. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

halftime

noun
half·​time ˈhaf-ˌtīm How to pronounce halftime (audio)
ˈhȧf-
: an intermission marking the completion of half of a game (as in football)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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