half hour

noun

1
: thirty minutes
2
: the middle point of an hour
half-hourly
ˈhaf-ˈau̇(-ə)r-lē How to pronounce half hour (audio)
ˈhäf-
adverb or adjective

Examples of half hour in a Sentence

Trains depart every half hour. I waited a half hour in line.
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.
The dazzling planet sets 1½ hours after the sun as September starts and only a little more than a half hour after as the month ends. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026 In the first half hour there will be time to socialize, network, visit interest group displays, participate in the raffle, and enjoy refreshments, a news release stated. — News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Conquest of Paradise' (1992) Gérard Depardieu as Christopher Columbus in an epic that lasts more than two-and-a-half hours? — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 Cullen’s voice gave a sense of gravitas and importance to what many (adults) at the time considered a half hour toy ad. — Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for half hour

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of half hour was in the 15th century

Rhymes for half hour

See All Rhymes for half hour

Browse Nearby Words

half hose
half hour
half-hour glass
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Half hour.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/half%20hour. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

half hour

noun
1
: thirty minutes
2
: the middle point of an hour
half-hourly
ˈhaf-ˈau̇(ə)r-lē, 
ˈhȧf-
adverb or adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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