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 sleeveless dress, designed by Carolina Herrera creative director Wes Gordon as part of the fashion house's pre-fall 2026 collection, featured a plunging halter neckline, fitted ruched bodice and full midi-length skirt. — Sameen Chaudhry, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 But first, welcome to a Monday Nightcaps — the one where Sophie Cunningham stuns in a backless halter top and then surpasses Caitlin Clark in social media followers. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026
Verb
Mixing two unexpected prints, like polka dots and snakeskin, feels totally modern, but the pencil skirt, wide belt, and halter top combo is pure nostalgia. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 12 Apr. 2026 For the after party circuit, the model wore a bespoke white Ludovic De Saint Sernin halter minidress, complete with a fully open back. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 2 Feb. 2026 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

halt
halter
halterbreak
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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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

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