halve

verb

ˈhav 

ˈhäv

halved; halving

transitive verb

1

a

: to divide into two equal parts

b

: to reduce to one half

halving the present cost

c

: to share equally

2

golf : to play (a hole, round, or match) in the same number of strokes as one's opponent

I lost the next two holes to pars, then halved the fourth by missing an easy putt.

—David Owen

Examples of halve in a Sentence

The store is halving the price of many summer items.

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite the project’s high-profile backing from Canadian millionaire Kevin O’Leary, Stratos has halved its scope as activists campaign to oust local politicians seen as supportive. — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 23 June 2026

My household income had been halved, and my domestic responsibilities had doubled. — Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 22 June 2026

If using fresh strawberries, clean, hull and halve them. — Monti Carlo, AJC.com, 22 June 2026

The footmen are each positioned to spring to his side of the carriage to assist their respective passengers in disembarking, thus halving the queueing. — Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from half half

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for halve

• calve
• have
• nav
• mohave

Kids Definition

halve

verb

ˈhav 

ˈhȧv

halved; halving

1

: to divide into two halves

2

: to reduce to one half

halving the cost