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

Next month's final, meanwhile, could well be the longest on record due to the decision to stage a Super Bowl-style halftime show, headlined by Madonna, Shakira and BTS.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

Perhaps the biggest humiliation — at least until the recent twin debacles of the Freedom 250 implosion and the Kennedy Center ruling — was the Super Bowl halftime show.

From Salon • Jun. 3, 2026

A Hamby three-point shot at the halftime buzzer rimmed out and the Sparks headed to the locker room down 49-40.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

His performance of the track marked the giddy peak of the Super Bowl halftime show last year for more than 133 million viewers.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

Luma still gives fiery halftime speeches, and admits she had a hard time controlling herself when one of her teams recently blew a 5-1 second-half lead.

From "Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference" by Warren St. John