half

1 of 3

noun

ˈhaf How to pronounce half (audio)
ˈhäf
plural halves ˈhavz How to pronounce half (audio)
ˈhävz
Synonyms of halfnext
1
a
: either of two equal parts that compose something
also : a part approximately equal to one of these
half the distance
the larger half of the fortune
b
: half an hour
—used in designation of time
half past two
2
: one of a pair: such as
a
: partner
b
: semester, term
c
: either of the two equal periods that together make up the playing time of some games (such as football)
also : the midpoint in playing time
the score was tied at the half
3
: half-dollar
4
: halfback

half

2 of 3

adjective

1
a
: being one of two equal parts
a half share
a half sheet of paper
b(1)
: that is approximately equal to either of two equal parts that compose something : amounting to approximately half
a half mile
a half million
(2)
: falling short of the full or complete thing : partial
half measures
a half smile
2
: extending over one of two equal parts of something : covering only half
a half window
a half mask
halfness noun

half

3 of 3

adverb

1
a
: in an equal part or degree
the crowd was half jeering, half respectful
b
: not completely : partially
half persuaded
2
: by any means : at all
her singing isn't half bad
Phrases
by half
: by a great deal
too clever by half
by halves
: in part : half-heartedly
She never does things by halves.
half again as
: one-and-a-half times as
half again as many
in half
: into two equal or nearly equal parts
cut the apple in half

Synonyms

Noun

Adjective

Adverb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of half in a Sentence

Noun She broke each cookie into halves. “Which half do you want?” “I'll take the smaller half.” Two halves make a whole.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Even though the amount the city committed is less than half of the $55.7 million needed for repairs, the club expects to be ready to return to Tropicana Field in time for the 2026 campaign. — Daniel R. Epstein, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025 Congress passed the ban in 2024 with overwhelming bipartisan support over national security fears that an app used by more than half of Americans should not be controlled by China, a foreign adversary of the U.S. — Bobby Allyn, NPR, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
To reduce bacteria, add a half cup of bleach to a full tub of water 2-3 times per week. — Casey Gallagher, Health, 3 Apr. 2025 Ellis had 18 points on 5-of-7 shooting with five rebounds and four assists. 1 of 23 See Sacramento Kings play Milwaukee Bucks at Golden 1 Center Second half Milwaukee cut the deficit to three on a basket by Antetokounmpo with 4:45 to play in the third quarter. — Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 23 Mar. 2025
Adverb
Turbo generates final images quickly but is twice as expensive in terms of credit use, while relax mode takes its time but is half as expensive. — ArsTechnica, 4 Apr. 2025 Studies from Cornell University and Auckland University show that mothers are half as likely to be called back for jobs as non-mothers. — Gully Flowers, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for half

Word History

Etymology

Noun, Adjective, and Adverb

Middle English, from Old English healf; akin to Old High German halb half

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adverb

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of half was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing half

Rhymes for half

See All Rhymes for half

Browse Nearby Words

haley-over
half
halfa
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Half.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/half. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

half

1 of 3 noun
ˈhaf How to pronounce half (audio)
ˈhȧf
plural halves ˈhavz How to pronounce half (audio)
ˈhȧvz
1
: one of two equal or nearly equal parts that make up something
half of an apple
2
: half an hour
half past ten
3
: one of a pair
especially : one of the two equal periods that make up the playing time of some games (as football)

half

2 of 3 adjective
1
: being one of two halves
a half sheet of paper
a half mile away
2
: of half the usual size or extent
a half smile

half

3 of 3 adverb
1
a
: to the extent of half
half full
b
: to some degree : not completely
half persuaded
2
: by any means : at all
the song wasn't half bad

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