halter

play

noun hal·ter \ˈhȯl-tər\

Definition of halter

1a : a rope or strap for leading or tying an animalb : 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

See halter defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of halter from the Web

Bella wore one of her boldest looks to date: a lavender halter bikini top styled with flared tie-dyed pants.

— kaleigh fasanella, Teen Vogue, "Bella Thorne Spotted Wearing a Purple Bikini Out With Scott Disick," 20 July 2017
Classicists might prefer Rag & Bone’s gingham halter top with its ’50s feel.

— liana satenstein, Vogue, "Tube Tops, Crop Tops, and Halters, Oh My! 15 Summer Shirts for Every Personality," 5 July 2017
The top-selling suit for Eloquii is a wrap halter, one-piece suit in pink and blue camo print, Arnold said.

— john-john williams iv, baltimoresun.com, "Still the one: Versatile one-piece bathing suit is stylish and budget-friendly," 5 July 2017
Woodstock hippies showed off their tummies in colorful halter tops in the ’60s.

— liana satenstein, Vogue, "Tube Tops, Crop Tops, and Halters, Oh My! 15 Summer Shirts for Every Personality," 5 July 2017
The halter swimsuit made sure her abs were front and center, while the back allowed Lea to channel her inner peach emoji.

— peggy truong, Cosmopolitan, "Lea Michele Is Straight Fire in This Insanely Sexy One-Piece Swimsuit," 28 June 2017
Abercrombie & Fitch Lace up halter top, $20.40, and Grommet cheeky bottom, $13.20, Abercrombie & Fitch.

— ana colon, Glamour, "The Summer Swimsuits People Are Actually Searching For," 19 June 2017
The other day a stunning Shelli Segal halter dress was $40 and a silk blouse from Banana Republic was $24.

— georgea kovanis, Detroit Free Press, "Best resale clothing store. Ever.," 18 June 2017
Hannah rides Lilac bareback around her town of Invercargill in the southern part of New Zealand, using only a halter and a small stick to point her in the right direction.

— carly breit, Country Living, "Watch This Teen Ride Her Cow Like a Horse," 8 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'halter.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of halter

Origin and Etymology of halter

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

halter

verb hal·ter

Definition of halter

haltered

;

haltering

play \ˈhȯl-t(ə-)riŋ\

transitive verb
1a : to catch with or as if with a halter; also : to put a halter onb : hang
2 : to put restraint upon : hamper

First Known Use of halter

14th century

HALTER Defined for English Language Learners

halter

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noun

Definition of halter for English Language Learners

: a set of straps placed around a horse's head so that the horse can be led or tied
: a piece of clothing worn on a woman's upper body that is held in place by straps around the neck and back and that leaves the back, arms, and shoulders bare

HALTER Defined for Kids

halter

play

noun hal·ter \ˈhȯl-tər\

Definition of halter for Students

1 : a set of straps placed around an animal's head so the animal can be led or tied
2 : an article of clothing worn on a woman's upper body and held in place by straps around the neck and back