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

Former Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, an analyst on NBC, criticized the decision to play man coverage during halftime of the Rams-Broncos game. — ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026

The Ravens recovered from a rough start, scoring 17 straight points to take a 17-13 lead into halftime. — CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026

Adjective

Beneficiaries will have to work or volunteer at least 80 hours each month or be in school at least half-time to qualify, with exceptions for situations including medical frailty. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026

Brighton won possession eight times in United’s final third before half-time, the most by an opponent in a first half since Fulham in November 2022. — Chris McKenna, New York Times, 16 Sep. 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)