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
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.
Noun
The journalist opted for a simple black halter dress with a tiered skirt. Catherine Santino, People.com, 24 June 2025 Yesterday, for a performance at Rough Trade, Cyrus continued to embrace sparkle in a black halter top embroidered with sequins and a beaded fringe. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 5 June 2025
Verb
The 27-piece collection plays into this mindset with adorable beach-to-street matching sets such as a cherry red boucle halter top and midi skirt or skin-baring layers in terry — a signature of Kondi’s label. Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 23 June 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for halter

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Halter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/halter. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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

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