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• half step
  half step

  noun

  semitone.
• half-step
  half-step

  noun

  music another word for semitone

half step

American  

noun

1. Music. semitone.

2. Military. a step 15 inches (38 centimeters) long in quick time and 18 inches (46 centimeters) long in double time.

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half-step British  

noun

1. music another word for semitone

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Etymology

Origin of half step

First recorded in 1900–05

Compare meaning

How does half-step compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• whole step vs. half step

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

half step half-step

I’m a half step away from calling the animal communicator.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 3, 2024

This is a half step where a whole step is needed.

From Salon ● Sep. 1, 2023

The ground tore up his bare feet, making “every little half step hurt.”

From Washington Post ● Sep. 12, 2022

Home plate umpire CB Bucknor called the pitch a ball as Swanson took a half step toward the dugout, apparently believing he struck out.

From Seattle Times ● Jul. 31, 2021

A diminished interval is one half step smaller than the perfect or minor interval.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones

Todd Blanche, Mr. Trump’s lead lawyer, stood a half-step behind, mimicking his client’s scowl.

From New York Times ● May 30, 2024

Palestinian analyst Talal Okal said the diplomatic appointment was a half-step toward an official Saudi representation office in the occupied West Bank.

From Reuters ● Aug. 12, 2023

For every step forward, there was at least a half-step back.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 2, 2023

A few players looked a half-step behind, or like their timing was off.

From Seattle Times ● May 1, 2023

An interval that is a half-step smaller than a perfect or a minor interval is called diminished.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones