halftime

US: /ˈhæfˌtaɪm/ ,(haf′tīm′, häf′-)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

half•time or half-time /ˈhæfˌtaɪm/   n. 

1. Sport the intermission between the two halves of a football, basketball, or other game:
   [uncountable] During halftime we went for a walk.
   [countable] During halftimes the band plays.

adj. [before a noun]

2. relating to or taking place during a halftime.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

half•time  (haf′tīm′, häf′-), n. 

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

adj. 

3. pertaining to or taking place during a halftime:
   The football fans were treated to a halftime exhibition by the marching band.

Also, half′-time′. 

• half + time 1870–75

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

half-time noun

1. a rest period between the two halves of a game
2. (as modifier): the half-time score