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
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Noun
Then, a year after her cameo in Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show at Super Bowl LIX, during Super Bowl LX, Williams appeared in a commercial for telehealth company Ro, advertising the effectiveness of the weight-loss drugs. Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 1 June 2026 But the Thunder stormed back to briefly take the lead just before halftime behind reigning two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous Alexander’s 13 points in the second quarter. Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 31 May 2026
Adjective
After a 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace in March, which was triggered by Micky van de Ven’s red card just before half-time, Tudor hinted at discord in the dressing room. Jay Harris, New York Times, 27 May 2026 The final will also include the first World Cup half-time show, an event that is already drawing comparisons to the Super Bowl tradition. Callum Sutherland, Time, 27 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Halftime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/halftime. Accessed 5 Jun. 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)
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