half-hour

American  

[haf-ouuhr, -ou-er, hahf-] / ˈhæfˈaʊər, -ˈaʊ ər, ˈhɑf- /

noun

1. a period of 30 minutes.

2. the midpoint between the hours.

   The clock struck on the half-hour.

---

adjective

1. of, relating to, or consisting of a half-hour.

   half-hour programs.

half-hour British  

noun

1. 1. a period of 30 minutes

   2. ( as modifier )

      a half-hour stint on the treadmill

2. 1. the point of time 30 minutes after the beginning of an hour

   2. ( as modifier )

      a half-hour chime

---

Other Word Forms

• half-hourly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of half-hour

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

half-hour

The way Argentina were chasing the game in the final half-hour was meant to suit his team's playing style.

From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026

The U.S. held on for a 2-0 victory over Bosnia at Levi’s Stadium, despite being reduced to 10 men by a red card for the final half-hour of the match.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 2, 2026

The game had started in sedate fashion, with Arnautovic's goal just before the half-hour mark the first shot on target.

From BBC ● Jun. 28, 2026

The stocks began Friday trading about flat before tumbling in a half-hour span beginning around 10 a.m.

From Barron's ● May 22, 2026

It took Moon Orchid another half-hour to do this.

From "The Woman Warrior" by Maxine Hong Kingston