halter

1 of 2

noun

hal·​ter ˈhȯl-tər 

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

• halter 1b

halter

2 of 2

verb

haltered; haltering ˈhȯl-t(ə-)riŋ 

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

Kidman wore a leather-like halter top and a pair of trousers with a skirt like overlay. —Colson Thayer, People.com, 9 May 2025

On day one of Coachella 2025, Hailey Bieber hit up the 818 tequila outpost in an itty-bitty black halter minidress and kitten-heel thong sandals, a far cry from the low-slung cargo pants and baseball caps of yesteryear. —Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 12 Apr. 2025

Verb

Old Navy Matte Tankini Swim Top $40 $20 at Old Navy Old Navy’s Matte Tankini Swim Top boasts a complementary V-neck and halter top design that’s supportive and stylish. —Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 2 Apr. 2025

Try this Tommy Bahama halter top, $115 on Nordstrom, that features a floral print on one side and an animal print on the other. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 4 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for halter

• altar
• alter
• falter
• psalter
• salter
• defaulter

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