halftime

or half-time

[ haf-tahym, hahf- ]

noun

1. the period indicating completion of half the time times allowed for an activity, as for a football or basketball game or an examination.
2. Sports. the intermission or rest period between the two halves half halve of a football, basketball, or other game, during which spectators are often entertained by baton twirling, marching bands, or the like.

adjective

1. pertaining to or taking place during a halftime:

   The football fans were treated to a halftime exhibition by the marching band.

Word History and Origins

Origin of halftime¹

First recorded in 1870–75; half + time

Example Sentences

“When I was 6, 7, 8 years old, I used to dress up as Jim Kelly of the Buffalo Bills during the halftime shows,” he recalls.

From Los Angeles Times

They took advantage of 13 turnovers by the Warriors to build an 11-point halftime lead despite having 11 turnovers.

From Los Angeles Times

The “Formation” singer has performed at two Super Bowls, headlining the 2013 halftime show in New Orleans, where she was joined by her former Destiny’s Child counterparts, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams.

From Los Angeles Times

Beyoncé's solo performance at the Super Bowl halftime show is the second most-watched Super Bowl halftime show in history at the time.

From Salon

With his team taking a 24-6 lead at halftime, Herbert looked as if he was ready to compete with Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes for the unofficial designation as the league’s best quarterback.

From Los Angeles Times