half

noun

One of two usually roughly equal parts into which anything may be divided, or considered as divided.

(sports) One of two equal periods into which a game is divided.

(sports) One of the two opposite parts of the playing field of various sports, in which each starts the game.

Half of a standard measure, chiefly:

(British) half a pint of beer or cider. (Refusing a pint) Just a half, thank you. (Offering to top up a pint glass) Do you want a half in that? (Minimizing the amount of drink taken) A swift half at the Pear Tree.

(liquor trade) A barrel measure of 27 gallons (half a hogshead).

(preceded by “a” or a number) The fraction obtained by dividing 1 by 2.

Any of the three terms at Eton College, for Michaelmas, Lent, and summer.

(slang) A half sibling.

(sports) abbreviated form for half marathon.

(numismatic slang) Clipping of half-dollar. [A coin worth one half of a dollar, typically 50 cents.]

(UK, dated) A child ticket. Two and a half to Paddington.

verb

(transitive, obsolete) To halve.

adjective

Consisting of a half (½, 50%).

Consisting of some indefinite portion resembling a half; approximately a half, whether more or less; partial; imperfect.

(of a sibling) Having one parent (rather than two) in common.

(of a relative other than a sibling) Related through one common grandparent or ancestor rather than two.

adverb

In two equal parts or to an equal degree.

In some part approximating a half.

Partially; imperfectly.

Practically, nearly.

Synonyms for half

halfwayadv moietyn portionn

Synonyms & related words for half

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Words related to half

Explore words related to half — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include halves, quarter, quartern, dimidiate, thirds, halved, demibastion, fourths. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for half

Common synonyms for half include halfway, moiety, portion — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.