halve

verb

ˈhav How to pronounce halve (audio)
ˈhäv
halved; halving
Synonyms of halvenext

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 consumer protection agencies most equipped to fight fraud, such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, whose budget was nearly halved, have seen massive funding and staff cuts, curtailing their ability to enforce rules and actively target scammers. Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026 But the opening of the Barranca Larga-Ventanilla Highway—finished in 2024 after nearly 15 years of construction—roughly halves the driving time. Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 12 Mar. 2026 Grate the zest of the lime into the bowl, then halve the lime and squeeze one half of it in as well (save the remaining half for serving). The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026 Since 1960, the number of people living in its rural areas has halved. Michael Cox, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026 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 22 Mar. 2026.

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

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