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

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Salon

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

From Washington Post

Some unions have threatened to take to the streets, with one labor group calling the measures announced on Sunday only a “half step.”

From New York Times

Texas has taken a half step, extending postpartum coverage for six months after birth instead of a year.

From New York Times