halftime

or half-time

[ haf-tahym, hahf- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the period indicating completion of half the time times allowed for an activity, as for a football or basketball game or an examination.
Sports. the intermission or rest period between the two halves half halve of a football, basketball, or other game, during which spectators are often entertained by baton twirling, marching bands, or the like.

adjective

pertaining to or taking place during a halftime:
The football fans were treated to a halftime exhibition by the marching band.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of halftime¹

First recorded in 1870–75; half + time

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Asked by a reporter after the game about the decision to ride with the same five throughout the second half, Redick simply said, “We just made the decision at halftime.”

From

Their lead quickly vanished, and they went into halftime with a 61-58 deficit.

From

Denver reclaimed home-court advantage in the playoff series after several players nearly came to blows before halftime and a furious, late rally by the Clippers.

From

He wasn’t able to make it out of the locker room at halftime and missed the first 50 seconds of the third quarter, checking back in with a shirt under his uniform.

From

But Harden finished the game with five fouls, picking up two in the first quarter, three by halftime and four by the middle of the third quarter.

From

half-timbered half-time

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