half-and-half

American  

[haf-uhn-haf, hahf-uhn-hahf] / ˈhæf ənˈhæf, ˈhɑf ənˈhɑf /

noun

1. a mixture of two things, especially in equal or nearly equal proportions.

2. milk and light cream combined in equal parts, especially for table use.

3. Chiefly British. a mixture of two malt liquors, especially porter and ale.

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adjective

1. half one thing and half another.

adverb

1. in two equal parts.

half-and-half British  

noun

1. a mixture of half one thing and half another thing

2. a drink consisting of equal parts of beer and stout, or equal parts of bitter and mild

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adjective

1. of half one thing and half another thing

adverb

1. in two equal parts

Etymology

Origin of half-and-half

First recorded in 1705–15

Example Sentences

I’ve made lovely versions with 2% milk, oat milk, almond milk, half-and-half and the random splash of buttermilk left lingering in the back of the fridge after a biscuit project.

From Salon • May 25, 2026

Villa supporter Adam Selway turned up for the match wearing a half-and-half scarf in the colours of the home side and Maccabi Tel Aviv.

From BBC • Nov. 6, 2025

Options range from iced coffee with protein powder to the Annihilator, with chocolate macadamia-nut syrup and half-and-half.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 3, 2025

You can always throw in a touch of cream or half-and-half or — of course — a few pats of butter.

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2025

This half-and-half companionship could not fully content her; still she was happy and the time passed swiftly.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

Related Words

• accommodation
• accord
• adjustment
• arrangement
• bargain
• concession
• deal
• pact
• settlement
• understanding