halftime

American  

[haf-tahym, hahf-] / ˈhæfˌtaɪm, ˈhɑf- /

Or half-time

noun

1. the period indicating completion of half the time allowed for an activity, as for a football or basketball game or an examination.

2. Sports. the intermission or rest period between the two halves of a football, basketball, or other game, during which spectators are often entertained by baton twirling, marching bands, or the like.

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adjective

1. pertaining to or taking place during a halftime.

   The football fans were treated to a halftime exhibition by the marching band.

Etymology

Origin of halftime

First recorded in 1870–75; half + time

Explanation

The pause in the middle of a sporting event is halftime. If you're watching the game at home, halftime is your chance to get a snack from the kitchen! As the word implies, halftime occurs exactly halfway through a game. Sports like basketball, soccer, football, and lacrosse all have a halftime during which players can rest and strategize with their coach. Spectators can use the interlude to stretch their legs, grab a hot dog, or watch the halftime show. The first sporting use of this word is first cited in 1867; earlier it meant "half of the time," as in "She's working halftime while she takes college classes."

Example Sentences

Shakira, who was born and raised in Colombia and has Lebanese roots, previously made headlines in 2020 for letting out a zaghrouta during the Super Bowl LIV halftime show.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

In February, Polymarket’s rival Kalshi drew complaints for its convoluted handling of wagers on whether Cardi B would perform at the Super Bowl halftime show.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

A few months later, she was booed on national TV when she did the halftime show at the 2005 Orange Bowl.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

At halftime, the Huskies went into the locker room trailing the top team in the nation by 15 points.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

It began at halftime when Gaines said he was going to let an untested junior named Chris Comer play the entire second half at fullback.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger