half-moon

noun

ˈhaf-ˌmün How to pronounce half-moon (audio)
ˈhäf-
1
: the moon when half its disk appears illuminated
2
: something shaped like a crescent
3
: the lunule of a fingernail
half-moon adjective

Examples of half-moon 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.
The sweet alliums are cooked with cilantro and extra-virgin olive oil until tender, then tucked into thin dumpling wrappers that are folded into half-moons and steamed for exactly 10 minutes — any longer and the dough could break. — Warren Rojas, Washington Post, 19 Aug. 2026 An oversize half-moon couch anchors the living room, where a chic bar with see-through shelving separates the space from the formal dining room. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 18 Aug. 2026 These pans look like two half-moon pans connected by a hinge. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026 Decades ago, his dad procured a half-moon backboard and enlisted some uncles to help install it in the backyard. — Mike Defabo, New York Times, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for half-moon

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Rhymes for half-moon

See All Rhymes for half-moon

Browse Nearby Words

half-monitor
half-moon
half-mooned
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Half-moon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/half-moon. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

half-moon

noun
-ˌmün
: the moon when half its disk appears lighted

Medical Definition

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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