halter

1 of 2

noun

hal·​ter ˈhȯl-tər How to pronounce halter (audio)
1
a
: a rope or strap for leading or tying an animal
b
: a headstall usually with noseband and throatlatch to which a lead may be attached
2
: a rope for hanging criminals : noose
also : death by hanging
3
: a woman's blouse or top that leaves the back, arms, and midriff bare and that is typically held in place by straps around the neck and across the back

Illustration of halter

Illustration of halter
  • halter 1b

halter

2 of 2

verb

haltered; haltering ˈhȯl-t(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce halter (audio)

transitive verb

1
a
: to catch with or as if with a halter
also : to put a halter on
b
: hang
2
: to put restraint upon : hamper

Examples of halter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The barrister was good as gold in a custom Maison Margiela halter. Alex Apatoff, Peoplemag, 29 Sep. 2023 Elsewhere, Rosalía's dusty pink halter skewed a touch more casual (as did her subsequent athleisure look). Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 9 Sep. 2023 Ditto Seema in a silver lurex halter that seems to reflect her new willingness to take a relationship risk; ditto Nya in her prints. The Styles Desk, New York Times, 24 Aug. 2023 The singer wore a black halter tank, leather flared pants and platform shoes. Genevieve Cepeda, Peoplemag, 25 Sep. 2023 The longline bra offers a bit more coverage than a bra and has the cutest adjustable spaghetti halter straps. Dana Leigh Smith, Glamour, 15 Sep. 2023 Kunis opted for a sparkly black halter top and light pink pants for the flick’s Los Angeles red carpet premiere. Brittany Natale, ELLE, 10 Aug. 2023 Dumi is living in her own world and this collection reflects that with blazer halter tops, pleated skirts, and intricate ruching. Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 5 Oct. 2023 After attending the Prada spring/summer 2024 show in a little black halter dress and a sweet hair bow, Watson stepped out in another head-to-toe Prada look that easily could have been stolen from Rory Gilmore's closet (if Rory had an Emily Gilmore-sized budget, that is). Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 24 Sep. 2023
Verb
The JLo Beauty founder also flashes a smile while wearing a strappy thong and halter neck sheer, lace teddy. Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 18 Oct. 2023 The dazzling dress was perfectly fitted to Gomez's figure, and featured a short train and halter neck. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 5 Oct. 2023 Timothée Chalamet wore a barely there halter top to the Venice Film Festival in 2022. Jacob Gallagher, WSJ, 16 June 2023 Hannah wore a custom dress designed by Vera Wang: a mermaid-style gown with a sweetheart neckline, tulle halter high neck and plunging back. Caitlyn Hitt, Peoplemag, 8 May 2023 Fan dazzled in a shimmery Tony Ward halter dress and green cape that featured oversized sleeves and a train. Charmaine Patterson, Peoplemag, 12 Mar. 2023 But gradually, with the help of alfalfa cubes, Buddy got comfortable enough for Ben to pet him, then brush his fur, then halter him. Maggie Shannon Jill Cowan, New York Times, 17 Sep. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'halter.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English hælftre; akin to Old High German halftra halter, Old English hielfe helve

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of halter was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near halter

Cite this Entry

“Halter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/halter. Accessed 7 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

halter

noun
hal·​ter
ˈhȯl-tər
1
a
: a rope or strap for leading or tying an animal
b
: a set of straps enclosing an animal's head to which a lead may be attached
2
: a rope for hanging criminals : noose
3
: a woman's blouse or top that is held in place by straps around the neck and across the back and that leaves the back, arms, and midriff bare
halter verb

More from Merriam-Webster on halter

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