halfway

1 of 2

adverb

half·​way ˈhaf-ˈwā How to pronounce halfway (audio)
ˈhäf-
: midway between two points
At length the cat steps halfway out the door, showing his spotted brown coat and the stripes on his legs.Paul Comstock

halfway

2 of 2

adjective

1
: midway between two points
at the halfway point/mark
2
: partial
a halfway solution

Examples of halfway in a Sentence

Adjective She was leading at the halfway mark of the race. We're halfway toward completing the project. They're only offering halfway measures, not a real solution.
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.
Adverb
Leon Draisaitl is in the top five in playoff scoring this spring and halfway to his 32-point output during his electric 2021-22 playoffs, while tied for the team lead in goals scored (five) with 40-year-old Corey Perry. Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 21 May 2025 Wilson was halfway to a double-double entering the second half and ended with 22 points and 10 rebounds plus four assists, three steals and two blocks. Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 21 May 2025
Adjective
In both games, the Celtics led by 20 points after the halfway mark of the third quarter. Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 8 May 2025 Close to the halfway line in the middle of the main stand, the directors’ section just behind. Andy Mitten, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for halfway

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

Middle English half wey, from half half entry 2 + wey way entry 1

Adjective

derivative of halfway entry 1

First Known Use

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1644, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of halfway was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Halfway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/halfway. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

halfway

adjective
half·​way -ˈwā How to pronounce halfway (audio)
1
: midway between two points
stop at the halfway mark
2
: partial sense 3
halfway measures
halfway adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on halfway

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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