halve

verb

ˈhav How to pronounce halve (audio)
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
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.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies meanwhile noted that the government's failure to find any savings on benefits payments had effectively halved Reeves' margin of error against her main fiscal target in the budget. Jenni Reid,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 2 July 2025 The Trump administration has sought to halve the science budgets of both agencies in the coming years. ArsTechnica, 24 June 2025 For such a waive-and-conversion move to work, Johnson would have to clear waivers and then be amenable to a two-way deal that would halve his salary. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2025 Peel the eggs, then halve them and gently push, or spoon, out the yolks. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for halve

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from half half

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of halve was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Halve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/halve. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

halve

verb
ˈhav How to pronounce halve (audio)
ˈhȧv
halved; halving
1
: to divide into two halves
2
: to reduce to one half
halving the cost

More from Merriam-Webster on halve

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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