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

When Bitcoin last halved in April 2024, its price hovered around $65,000 shortly afterwards. —Ben Weiss, Fortune, 15 Dec. 2025

The plan set out to halve payments for undergraduate loans, cut many borrowers’ monthly payments down to $0, and provide early forgiveness for borrowers whose original loan amounts were low. —Connor Greene, Time, 11 Dec. 2025

To create the look of an eight-point star, twist the star halves so front and back sides alternate. —Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Dec. 2025

While this is a perfect option for a holiday gathering, the recipe can be halved for a smaller group. —Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 5 Dec. 2025

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