half hour

noun

1
: thirty minutes
2
: the middle point of an hour
half-hourly 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.
What To Know No specific rainfall amounts have come in, but radar has indicated rainfall rates of up to 1 inch in the past half hour. Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025 That was partly because NYPD approached Thursday with significantly less leeway, actively breaking up the crowd less than a half hour after the game ended. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025 Even when a charging station is available, the time to recharge is at least a half hour. Trent M. Kittleman, Baltimore Sun, 26 May 2025 An easier sighting on Wednesday On the following evening (Wednesday, May 28), the still delicately thin crescent is noticeably wider (5 percent illuminated) and considerably higher (17 degrees) above the west-northwest horizon a half hour after sunset. Joe Rao, Space.com, 27 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Half hour.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/half%20hour. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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