plural halves
ˈhavz 
ˈhävz
1
a
: either of two equal parts that compose something
also
: a part approximately equal to one of these
half the distance
the larger half of the fortune
b
: half an hour
—used in designation of time
half past two
2
3
4
: halfback
1
a
: being one of two equal parts
a half share
a half sheet of paper
b(1)
: that is approximately equal to either of two equal parts that compose something : amounting to approximately half
a half mile
a half million
(2)
: falling short of the full or complete thing : partial
half measures
a half smile
2
: extending over one of two equal parts of something : covering only half
a half window
a half mask
halfness
noun
Synonyms
Noun
Adjective
Adverb
Examples of half in a Sentence
Noun
She broke each cookie into halves.
“Which half do you want?” “I'll take the smaller half.”
Two halves make a whole.
The team fell behind in the first half but rallied in the second half to win the game.
“What's yours?” “A half of lager, please.”
Adjective
a half cup of coffee
He owns a half share in the company.
a half pound of cheese
She looked at him with a shy half smile.
Adverb
The glass of water is half full.
The crowd was half cheering and half jeering.
The train departed at half past the hour.
He was only half aware of what was happening.
She had half persuaded me to stay.
The door was half open.
These eggs are only half cooked.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noah Bierman, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2024
In Anchorage, streets split in half and an entire neighborhood slid into the sea.
—Christian Elliott, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for half 
Noun
On most days, about 2,000 people pass through, about half of whom spend the night.
—Noah Bierman, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2024
In Anchorage, streets split in half and an entire neighborhood slid into the sea.
—Christian Elliott, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for half
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'half.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near half
Cite this Entry
“Half.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/half. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
half
2 of 3 adjective1
: being one of two halves
a half sheet of paper
a half mile away
2
: of half the usual size or extent
a half smile
half
3 of 3 adverb1
a
: to the extent of half
half full
b
: to some degree : not completely
half persuaded
2
: by any means : at all
the song wasn't half bad
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