halter

1 of 2

noun

hal·​ter ˈhȯl-tər How to pronounce halter (audio)
Synonyms of halternext
1
a
: a rope or strap for leading or tying an animal
b
: a headstall usually with noseband and throatlatch to which a lead may be attached
2
: a rope for hanging criminals : noose
also : death by hanging
3
: a woman's blouse or top that leaves the back, arms, and midriff bare and that is typically held in place by straps around the neck and across the back

Illustration of halter

Illustration of halter
  • halter 1b

halter

2 of 2

verb

haltered; haltering ˈhȯl-t(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce halter (audio)

transitive verb

1
a
: to catch with or as if with a halter
also : to put a halter on
b
: hang
2
: to put restraint upon : hamper

Examples of halter in a Sentence

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
The two-tone Schiaparelli gown is composed of a white maxi dress with sculptural halter straps that accentuate its deep V neckline and a dark blue raw denim corset. — Raven Brunner, People.com, 10 Mar. 2025 The halter style shows off your shoulders, while the removable padded bra and adjustable halter straps provide support and coverage all day. — Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
Try this Tommy Bahama halter top, $115 on Nordstrom, that features a floral print on one side and an animal print on the other. — Nora Colomer, Fox News, 4 Mar. 2025 In one snap, the couple coordinated in pastels, with Champion wearing a mint green halter top dress and Schwarzenegger wearing a baby blue suit. — Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for halter

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English hælftre; akin to Old High German halftra halter, Old English hielfe helve

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

Rhymes for halter

See All Rhymes for halter

Browse Nearby Words

halter
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Cite this Entry

“Halter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/halter. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

halter

noun
hal·​ter
ˈhȯl-tər
1
a
: a rope or strap for leading or tying an animal
b
: a set of straps enclosing an animal's head to which a lead may be attached
2
: a rope for hanging criminals : noose
3
: a woman's blouse or top that is held in place by straps around the neck and across the back and that leaves the back, arms, and midriff bare
halter verb

More from Merriam-Webster on halter

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for halter

Nglish: Translation of halter for Spanish Speakers

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