HALFTIME Definition & Meaning

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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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of halftime¹

First recorded in 1870–75; half + time

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

After getting played closely in the first half of its most recent tournament victories over Richmond and Mississippi, UCLA’s 31-25 halftime lead over the Tigers felt like a massive edge.

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Practically before the Bruins could say letdown, Tennessee had rolled off eight consecutive points to surge into a 32-25 halftime lead.

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UCLA’s halftime lead might have been insurmountable had the Bruins not given up 10 offensive rebounds leading to 14 points for Utah State — more than half the Aggies’ total.

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“She hyped me up at halftime and I felt more confident after that,” Thompson said.

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He didn’t score in the third quarter when his team’s lead was cut from 13 points at halftime to four.

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