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

Fewer than three hours later, however, most of that throng trickled out of the stadium in disappointment after watching the Mustangs break a scoreless game at halftime en route to a 21-0 victory. —Tris Wykes, Twin Cities, 27 Sep. 2025

First, Trell Harris turned a deflected pass into a 28-yard gain, and on the next snap, Taylor sprinted 26 yards up the gut for the tying touchdown 48 seconds before halftime. —David Teel, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2025

Adjective

Last season, Spurs collapsed after leading 2-0 at half-time and conceded three times in 21 minutes. —Jay Harris, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2025

Lucas Martínez Quarta and Juanfer Quintero came on for the host team at half-time. —Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025

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)