half-hour

[ haf-ouuhr, -ou-er, hahf- ]

noun

1. a period of 30 minutes.
2. the midpoint between the hours:

   The clock struck on the half-hour.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or consisting of a half-hour:

   half-hour programs.

half-hour

noun

1. 1. a period of 30 minutes
   2. ( as modifier )

      a half-hour stint on the treadmill

2. 1. the point of time 30 minutes after the beginning of an hour
   2. ( as modifier )

      a half-hour chime

Derived Forms

• ˌhalf-ˈhourly, adverbadjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of half-hour¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425

Example Sentences

Following the show, a half-hour mixer opens the floor to anyone at the venue.

From Los Angeles Times

A half-hour later, as nurses placed a catheter, Fails noticed her daughter’s thighs were covered in blood.

From Salon

He wakes up at 6 a.m., makes coffee and takes a half-hour walk around his neighborhood, where he enjoys seeing bunnies and hearing birds sing.

From Los Angeles Times

SoFi Stadium, which is set to host basketball and swimming, is about a half-hour walk from the K Line.

From Los Angeles Times

The half-hour interview with Baier, Harris’ first formal sit-down with the cable channel, took place amid a media blitz by the Democratic nominee, and was testy at times.

From Los Angeles Times