half-length

American  

[haf-lengkth, -length, -lenth, hahf-] / ˈhæfˌlɛŋkθ, -ˌlɛŋθ, -ˌlɛnθ, ˈhɑf- /

noun

1. something that is only half a full length or height, especially a portrait that shows only the upper half of the body, including the hands.

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adjective

1. of half the complete length or height.

half-length British  

adjective

1. (of a portrait) showing only the body from the waist up and including the hands

2. of half the entire or original length

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noun

1. a half-length portrait

Etymology

Origin of half-length

First recorded in 1690–1700

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

half-length

Although called a “Pietà,” it was not a depiction of Christ mourned by his intimates, but rather a “Man of Sorrows”—the dead Savior, half-length, with youthful angels—a timeless image designed for contemplation and meditation.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 23, 2026

There was a further half-length back to Grangeclare West in third.

From BBC ● Apr. 5, 2025

Big Evs came off the pace to win by a half-length.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 3, 2023

Ridden by Hall of Famer Edgar Prado, the colt battled Medaglia d’Oro throughout the 1 1/2-mile race and won by a half-length.

From Washington Times ● Aug. 29, 2023

For an example of a portrait less than half-length, with a landscape background, look at the portrait of “An Italian Gentleman,” by Andrea da Solario.

From The Evolution of Photography With a Chronological Record of Discoveries, Inventions, etc., Contributions to Photographic Literature, and Personal Reminescences Extending over Forty Years by Werge, John