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
Queens guard Chris Ashby, a grad student from Houston, sank a 3-pointer just before the halftime buzzer to close the gap to 45-33. Charlotte Observer, 21 Mar. 2026 Miami led 27-26 at halftime and both teams were shooting in the 30 percent range. Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
Unfortunately, Gabriel Gudmundsson’s red card ended that reunion at half-time, as Nmecha was sacrificed for a more defensive, 10-man shape. Beren Cross, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2026 Those Medicaid participants will have to work or do community service at least 80 hours a month, or enroll at least half-time as a student. ABC News, 1 Mar. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Halftime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/halftime. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.

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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