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

To mark the start of her sold-out, four-night run at New York City’s Madison Square Garden this past weekend, Dean debuted a fresh take on classic glamour with a glimmering chainmail halter gown by Ralph Lauren. — Bianca Betancourt, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

The cheeky set consisted of a string halter-neck top and matching bottoms. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 20 Aug. 2026

Verb

Mixing two unexpected prints, like polka dots and snakeskin, feels totally modern, but the pencil skirt, wide belt, and halter top combo is pure nostalgia. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 12 Apr. 2026

For the after party circuit, the model wore a bespoke white Ludovic De Saint Sernin halter minidress, complete with a fully open back. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 2 Feb. 2026

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