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.
Reminders of what’s missing Three-and-a-half hours through traffic took the sisters home, for another reunion, another piece of the family put back together with a very, very long embrace from their mom, Nancy. — Norma Galeana, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026 Simmer the soup for about 3 hours more, checking every half hour to skim off any impurities and adding water as needed (see Note), until the broth turns cloudy and the meat on the oxtails is tender and slightly falling off the bone. — Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026 The Dutch star replaced Jacquet for the last half hour or so. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026 After a half hour of miscommunication, Pike was promptly hospitalized and placed on a ventilator. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 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
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