halftime

1 of 2

noun

half·​time ˈhaf-ˌtīm How to pronounce halftime (audio)
ˈhäf-
: an intermission between halves of a game or contest (as in football or basketball)

half-time

2 of 2

adjective

ˈhaf-ˌtīm How to pronounce half-time (audio)
ˈhäf-
: involving or working half the standard hours
half-time adverb

Examples of halftime in a Sentence

Noun The score was tied at halftime. The coaches discussed strategy during halftime.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
After a 27-point performance in the first game, Brittney Sykes had 14 points by halftime in the rematch and finished with a career-high 38. Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026 Rookie Gabriela Jaquez scored a team-high 20 points to go with eight rebounds for the Sky, who gained a 40-38 lead just before halftime and never trailed again. Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 18 May 2026
Adjective
His impact at half-time in the City visit has been widely discussed. Beren Cross, New York Times, 17 May 2026 The Lakers held a 59-57 half-time lead by leaning on their ball movement, improved shooting and hustle. Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for halftime

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1865, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1861, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of halftime was in 1861

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Halftime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/halftime. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

halftime

noun
half·​time ˈhaf-ˌtīm How to pronounce halftime (audio)
ˈhȧf-
: an intermission marking the completion of half of a game (as in football)
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