halting

adjective

halt·​ing ˈhȯl-tiŋ How to pronounce halting (audio)
Synonyms of haltingnext
: marked by a lack of sureness or effectiveness
spoke in a halting manner
haltingly adverb

Examples of halting in a Sentence

She answered in a halting voice. The baby took a few halting steps. Progress in the negotiations has been halting.
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 relationship between the two girls, delivered in halting English, is rather lovely. Jessica Kiang, Variety, 14 May 2026 Boeing has been caught in the crossfire repeatedly, with China halting deliveries of its planes during last year's tariff fight before resuming them as part of the truce. Alicia Park, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026 The Kospi has had 8 single-day gains of 5% this year, also had a one-day drop of 12% in March during the Iranian war, and triggered market-halting circuit breakers multiple times this year. Todd Gordon, CNBC, 12 May 2026 Women 75 and older who are asymptomatic and average-risk, as well as those with limited life expectancy, can discuss with their doctors about halting screening, the ACP added. Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for halting

Word History

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of halting was in 1585

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Halting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/halting. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

halting

adjective
halt·​ing ˈhȯl-tiŋ How to pronounce halting (audio)
: being unsure or hesitant
spoke in a halting manner
haltingly adverb

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