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.

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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

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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

Most important by far was our half-hour interview in that shiny new office, after weeks during which Burnham was chased by accusations he'd avoided tough questions.

From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2026

Patients taking the Wegovy pill must wait a half-hour before eating while those on Foundayo don’t have to, but doctors say that hasn’t been a major deterrent.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 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

When Ngoy reached out and grabbed the Iranian by the shirt, pulling him to the ground, he drew a red card, leaving Belgium to play the final half-hour down a man.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 21, 2026

After the half-hour was over, a gigantic knight came riding through the forest.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White