half-length

American  

[haf-lengkth, -length, -lenth, hahf-] / ˈhæfˌlɛŋkθ, -ˌlɛŋθ, -ˌlɛnθ, ˈhɑf- /

noun

1. something that is only half a full length or height, especially a portrait that shows only the upper half of the body, including the hands.

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adjective

1. of half the complete length or height.

half-length British  

adjective

1. (of a portrait) showing only the body from the waist up and including the hands

2. of half the entire or original length

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noun

1. a half-length portrait

Etymology

Origin of half-length

First recorded in 1690–1700

Example Sentences

Although called a “Pietà,” it was not a depiction of Christ mourned by his intimates, but rather a “Man of Sorrows”—the dead Savior, half-length, with youthful angels—a timeless image designed for contemplation and meditation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

Then his stride got more powerful and he breezed to a half-length win.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 19, 2025

There was a further half-length back to Grangeclare West in third.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2025

BENSALEM, Pa. — Saudi Crown led all the way to win the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby by a half-length on a sloppy track Saturday at Parx Racing.

From Washington Times • Sep. 23, 2023

In 1756, Reynolds painted for himself a half-length of Johnson, with a pen in his hand, sitting at a table.

From Famous European Artists by Bolton, Sarah K.